The Journey of Recovery: Staying On

the Right RoadChip Abernathy

The 12 Steps of AA and NA and the Developmental Model of

Recovery

The model of recovery presented here is an abstinence-based, developmental model of recovery that is based in 12 Step philosophy, application and practice.

Step WorkMany AA and NA members would agree

that all 12 Steps should be worked with the help of a sponsor, in order, and to best of one’s ability, during early recovery.

During each stage of recovery, along with other tasks that need to be accomplished, there is step work that needs to be done. Not doing that work prevents progress from one recovery stage to the next.

Structure

People recovering from addictive disease do well with structure. Although it seems somewhat paradoxical, there is freedom with structure.

AA/NA Perspectives On The Journey Of Recovery

“Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path.” AA Big Book, p. 58

“We have learned from our group experience that those who keep coming to our meetings regularly stay clean.” NA Basic Text, p. 9

AA/NA Perspectives On The Journey Of Recovery

“Although we are not responsible for our disease, we are responsible for our recovery.” NA Basic Text, p.15

“What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition.” AA Big Book, p. 85

Beliefs Upon Which Gorski’s Developmental Model of Recovery are

Based1. Recovery is a long-term process that is not

easy.2. Recovery requires total abstinence from

alcohol and other drugs, plus active efforts towards personal growth.

3. There are underlying principles that govern the recovery process.

4. The better we understand these principles, the easier it will be for us to recover.

Beliefs Upon Which Gorski’s DMR are Based ( Continued)

5. Understanding alone will not promote recovery; the understanding must be put into action.

6. The actions that are necessary to produce full recovery can be clearly and accurately described as recovery tasks.

7. It is normal and natural to periodically get stuck on the road to recovery. It is not whether you get stuck that determines success or failure, but it is how you cope with the stuck point that counts.

Transition Transition Stage

Develop Motivating ProblemsAttempt to Solve Problems

Fail at Attempts to Control UseAccept Need For Abstinence

and Need for Help1st Step

Surrender

Step Work Focus During Transition Stage: 1st Step

StabilizationStabilization Stage

Recognize Need for HelpStabilize Thinking, Feeling and Acting

Manage Post Acute Withdrawal and Addictive Preoccupation

Find Your Place in AA/NADevelop Hope and Motivation

Step Work Focus During Stabilization Stage: Steps 2 & 3

EarlyEarly Recovery

Internalize Addictionand Recovery - Work All 12 Steps

Change Associates, Attitude,and Lifestyle

Develop Identity As Recovering PersonDevelop Recovery-Centered

Value System

Step Work Focus During Early Recovery: Steps 1 - 12

MiddleMiddle Recovery

Resolve Demoralization Crisis(Maintain Hope Through Surrender)

PerseveranceAttend To Unfinished Amends

Establish Lifestyle BalanceFind Your Happiness

Step Work Focus During Middle Recovery: Any Unfinished Work With Steps 8, 9

LateLate Recovery

Integrate Recovery From Childhood IssuesWith Recovery From Addiction

Be Willing To Change Beliefs and BehaviorsFind New Beliefs and Behaviors That Fit

Change Lifestyle As Needed

Step Work Focus During Late Recovery: Steps 10, 11 & 12

MaintenanceRecovery Maintenance

Maintain A Recovery ProgramThrough Life Changes and Challenges

Stick With the BasicsPractice Effective Day to Day Coping

Maintain Commitment to GrowthEnjoy Life

Step Work Focus During Maintenance:Steps 10, 11 & 12 (Especially)

Repeat 12 Steps Regularly, and Practice Principles Daily

The Relapse Process:Veering Off the Road In the Journey Of

Recovery

Relapse Is A Process, Not An Event

It Isn’t Whether or Not We Have Problems In Recovery That Counts; What Counts Is

How We Deal With Those Problems

Factors That Contribute To The Relapse Process

High Risk Factors High Risk LifestyleInadequate Recovery

ProgramSocial Conflict or

ChangeIllnessIsolation

Trigger EventsStressful ThoughtsStressful SituationsPainful MemoriesPainful EmotionsStressful Interactions

With Other People

Relapse Warning Sign ProgressionGood Recovery Not Using Alcohol/Other Drugs Regular AA/NA

Sponsor Contact Flexible Honest, Open-Minded, Willing Gratitude Recovering Friends Happiness Step Work Mgt. COD

Having FunPrayer Asking for Help Stress Management Accountable ----------------------------------------------- Change --------------------------------------------------------Early Warning Restless, Irritable & Discontent

Signs Evading/Denying ← Stress Core Issues Triggered (Internal) Problems (Ex:: Inadequacy, Trust, Abandonment) P. A. W. (P.A.W.: Difficulty Thinking Clearly, Managing Emotions, Sleeping, Remembering)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Middle Warning Easily Angered Negative Comments Signs Defensiveness Avoiding Others Character Defects Increasing(External) Compulsive Behaviors/Process Addictions

Recovery Structure Decreasing Isolation Increasing Decreased QOL------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Late Warning Conscious Lying Stop AA/NA Altogether Extreme IsolationSigns Depression Obsession, Compulsion, Craving(Loss of Control) Self-pity Suicidal Thoughts

Poor Judgment Planning Substance Use-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Initial Use of Alcohol/Other DrugsProgressive Life Deterioration

High Potential for Death

Relapse-Prone Styleof Coping

Evade/DenyStressCompulsive Behaviors/Process Addictions Avoid OthersProblems EscalateEvade/Deny New Problems

Relapse-Prone Coping Style:

ESCAPEEvade/Deny

Problem

Stress

Compulsive

Behaviors/Process

AddictionsAvoid Others

Problems Escalate

Evade/Deny New

Problems

Stopping the Relapse Process

We Get Out Of The Relapse Process By Getting Into the Recovery Process

Recovery-Prone Styleof Coping

Recognize Problem ExistsAccept It’s OK to Have ProblemsDetach (Do Your Best, and Then Let Go)Ask for HelpRespond With Action

Recovery-Prone Coping Style: RADAR

Recognize Problem

Accept It’s OK To

Have Problems

Detach – Do Your Best, and Then Let Go

Ask For Help

Respond With

Action When

Prepared

ReferencesAlcoholics Anonymous. Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd ed., New York: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, 1976.Gorski, T.T. Passages through recovery: An action plan for preventing

relapse. Center City, MN: Hazelden, 1989.Gorski, T.T. Staying sober: A guide for relapse prevention. Independence, Missouri: Independence Press: 1986.Narcotics Anonymous. Narcotics Anonymous, 5th ed.. Van Nuys, CA: Narcotics Anonymous World Service Office, Inc., 1988.Abbreviations Used In Presentation:AA – Alcoholics AnonymousNA – Narcotics AnonymousPAW – Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome: see Gorski, Passages through

recovery: An action plan for preventing relapse, Gorski, Staying sober: A guide for relapse prevention

COD- Co-Occurring DisordersQOL – Quality of Life