The author describes how 5 Buddhist practices--enlightenment, compassion, acceptance, mindfulness/meditation, and the spiritual community--can serve as a foundation for an integrated recovery model that incorporates numerous perspectives from the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous. An application of the model illustrates how it is applied to…

Professional counselors have long been practicing in alcohol and drug treatment settings. However, only recently has the counseling field offered formal recognition of addictions counseling as a specialization through the implementation of accreditation standards for addiction counseling training programs. With the passage of the 2009 standards,…

Tenets of Adlerian theory and practice are compatible with the philosophy and practices of Alcoholics Anonymous. Counselors can expect treatment approaches based on Adlerian counseling theory to be congruent with 12-step practices of individuals who are in recovery from alcohol dependence. (Author)

This content analysis of reflective papers examined undergraduate and graduate students' reactions to attending a 12-step meeting. Qualitative analysis of student comments suggested that meeting attendance had a personal impact and increased understanding of the purpose of 12-step programs. Implications for counselor educators are discussed.

Examines the relationship between parental alcoholism, family-of-origin functioning, and current marital satisfaction. Results indicate that family-of-origin functioning is positively related to marital satisfaction. Individuals with alcoholic parents reported lower family-of-origin functioning, and an interaction between gender and parental…

Investigated personality and family-of-origin differences in male and female alcoholics. Results, based on medical records (N=204) of patients admitted to a residential chemical dependency center indicate that, regarding personality disturbances, men were healthier than women. More women had psychiatric treatment, were married to an alcoholic, or…

Special issues faced by chemically dependent women are reviewed. Self-in-Relation Theory, a model of psychological development for women, is discussed; the approach of Women for Sobriety is presented. When these two approaches are related, an alternative way of understanding and supporting chemically dependent women in recovery is provided. (EMK)

Interviews Berenson on his distinctive approach to therapy with families and couples affected by addiction and provides references. Considers background and theoretical influences, and changes over time. Discusses the use of "phasing," collaboration with Twelve Step programs, and integration of a spiritual perspective into family and…

Examines whether an abuser of alcohol can eventually learn to safely manage his or her own intake. Bridging the gap between two perspectives may empower therapists to explore the use of both abstinence and controlled use as a possible means to increase overall success of alcohol treatment. (JBJ)

Examined self-esteem, depression, and anxiety among 60 adult children of alcoholics (COAs) and 143 adult non-COAs. Subjects completed Children of Alcoholics Screening Test, demographic questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory. Found no significant differences between COAs and…

Describes an approach that encourages recovering, alcohol-dependent, single parent mothers and their children to use existing strengths and resources to promote healthy family dynamics. Looks at goal identification, establishing family goals, and identifying previously successful behaviors. Program participants report increases in parenting…

The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the International Association of Addiction and Offender Counselors (IAAOC) developed a master's level certification for addictions counselors. While NBCC and IAAOC's position is that skills necessary for general counseling are sufficient for an addictions counselor, specific knowledge about…