12 Heresies


1) Over time, as different mood altering chemicals were discovered or invented, some of us became addicted. This happened through a combination of individual biochemistry, the chemistry of the particular drug, and family dynamics. Some argue a genetic predisposition to addiction. This may be true. We do know that addicts respond differently to chemicals than much of the population. Many died or lived lives of misery.

2) Historically, this has been judged as a moral failure, whether individual or group. This occurs because addicts behave anti-socially to support the addiction, often violating the rules of the particular group they inhabit. This is and has often been treated simply by lock up treatment, whether the insane asylum or jail.

3) In the early 1900's, there were different groups of human beings investigating methods to treat this affliction. Various methods were tried, including primitive psychological techniques and religious exhortations.

4) One addict whose preference was for alcohol, now known as Bill W, after being exposed to different experimental methods, discovered one that seemed to work combining elements from some previous experiments and actions he found that worked for him. This came to be known as what we now call the twelve steps.

5) It was found that this method worked better than anything else that has been tried so far. It included group support amongst addicts themselves, and the view that this was a disease and not a moral failure.

6) Medical Researchers in Minnesota combined these steps with confrontational psychological techniques, supportive housing, community support and peer group support of behavioral change to create what is known as the Minnesota model. This included familial and group intervention at earlier stages of the disease to upset its progress. This proved successful in many cases.

7)Through active research and increased knowledge, these same techniques were then altered somewhat and used in different situations, including within corrections. It was also found that lengthening the supportive housing, evaluating the patients for concurrent problems, whether mental or physical illness, support for behavioral change and increased supportive services increased success rates.

8) Modern neuro-chemistry increased our understanding of the disease. In the last two decades, numerous chemicals have been invented, especially anti-depressants, which proved useful in assisting recovery. Other investigations have shortened the time of psychological and physical withdrawal from different drugs. Others treat Hallucinations due to withdrawal. Others stabilize the dopamine cycle which affects addicts of stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamine.

9) Alternative behavioral techniques are used and experimented with that sometimes work for addicts when standard programs fail.

10) We admit we are still in the dark ages when it comes to understanding and treating addiction. Research continues. We have learned much in the last century, however.

11) We can talk to god all we want, but we must remember that less than several decades ago, god was just killing or jailing us. It was when people tried to find a solution, albeit often due to religious reasons or then ascribing success to god, that events changed.

12) It appears that by combining different methods, including group support techniques, medical knowledge and scientific analysis, much for addicts has changed. This is dependent on time and place. Most people still assume it is a failure, especially those who view the world in simplistic religious and cultural dogma. We must educate throughout the world to assist addicts in recovery.