Adlerian Theory and the 12 Step Program Approach
Anyone who’s battled a drug abuse problem well knows how easy it is to get lost in the addiction lifestyle. First, the effects of the drug take over the body. Soon thereafter, the mind starts to lose touch with who you used to be.
Adlerian theory, one of the very first theories on personality and development, views a person’s behavior as a product of his or her childhood experiences. In effect, difficult childhood experiences leave individuals susceptible to the lure of drug abuse and addiction.
Interesting enough, the principles of Adlerian theory make up a large part of the 12 Step program approach in terms of helping addicts work through destructive forms of thinking and behaving learned in childhood. Ultimately, the interventions used by 12 Step treatment programs correspond with Adlerian theory techniques.
If you’re considering drug treatment, call our toll-free helpline at 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) to ask about 12 Step program treatment options.
The Adlerian Perspective: What Makes a Person Susceptible to Drug Addiction?
The Adlerian theory suggests that a longing for acceptance leads to drug abuse.
Feelings of Inferiority
First and foremost, Adlerian theory views childhood as a time that instills a natural sense of inferiority in a child due to his or her small size and lack of power or control over daily happenings. This sense of inferiority is considered to be normal and healthy as it taps into the human need to overcome and excel.
According to Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, the feelings of inferiority that lead to addiction develop out of a dysfunctional childhood experience that fails to validate the child as someone who’s worthwhile.
A Need to Belong
Profound feelings of inferiority naturally leave a person feeling as is he or she doesn’t fit in or doesn’t belong. From this perspective, it becomes all but impossible to develop healthy ways of dealing with the inner emotional turmoil that results.
In effect, those most susceptible to addiction have a very real need to feel accepted and confident in who they are. The “high” effects that drug abuse brings meets this need.
How Adlerian Theory Works
Adlerian theory views the family as the first social environment with which a person interacts. In turn, the family shapes a person’s sense of self-value and belonging over time.
According to Muskingum University, this first social experience also forms the basis for how a person adapts to the demands of everyday life in adulthood. From an addiction standpoint, the Adlerian theory approach works to change a person’s perception of self as well as his or her perceived role and purpose within the larger context of everyday life.
https://www.disorders.org/adlerian-therapy/what-is-adlerian-counseling/
Adlerian Theory and the 12 Step Program Approach
The overall goal of the 12 Step program approach is designed to help recovering addicts develop a lifestyle that can support drug-free living. Interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy and support groups help a person develop the type of mindset that doesn’t need drugs to cope with daily life.
The 12 Step program approach also places a heavy emphasis on the importance of social supports made up of like-minded individuals who’re working towards the same goal. In effect, these interventions work to build up a person’s sense of self-value within a healthy, social environment.
The overall emphasis on building up a person’s sense of value, coupled with a heavy emphasis on social support follows Adlerian theory principles and practices to a tee.
For more information on 12 Step program treatment, call our toll-free helpline at 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) .
