A Mechanism that Works

Today I want to look at a theory entitled “Therapeutic Mechanism“ and how I apply it to my personal recovery. It is a clinical approach from where I derive so much of my confidence regarding life-long recovery. I want to look at it by breaking down and defining both of words and combining them with a particular direction in mind. There is a wonderful article written on this called Therapeutic Mechanisms of Alcoholics Anonymous and it was written by Harry M. Tiebout. I will include the link at the bottom this blog. It is great reading and I’m sure it will help you tremendously, as it has done countless others. Having said that, let’s go ahead and break these down. We will discuss what I feel is important to pull from them.

Per Wiki “Therapeutic Effect refers to the response(s) after a treatment of any kind, the results of which are judged to be useful or favorable. This is true whether the result was expected, unexpected, or even an unintended consequence.”

Mechanism is a process, technique, or system for achieving a result

When combined these two provide a powerful and proven result that, when practiced properly, can result in a lifetime of success. I appreciate that Therapeutic Effect refers to “unintended consequence.”

Very often a consequence is considered negative. The definition of the word is neutral in that area. A consequence is something produced by a cause or necessarily following from a set of conditions.

As found in the definition of Therapeutic Effect a consequence is quite simply a result.

Why is all this so important to my personal recovery and what is the benefit I can see for countless others?

I am convinced that when one combines the foundational teachings of AA and fully integrates them into their daily living, from the inside/out, the power of this combined mechanism will produce a life-long effect of wellness. It has the potential to permeate every aspect of a person and shield them from relapse forever.

As one quick example illustrates to it said there is a H.O.W to get and stay recovered. H.O.W. stands for Honesty, Open-Mindedness and Willingness. We are to be this EVERYDAY. It is inconceivable to me that a person who daily practices this as a mechanism would ever relapse. All areas of life would be exposed, dealt with and resolved daily. This would daily eliminate any pressure the person would feel that could turn back to drinking. There wouldn’t be any mental obsession to drink that would then triggered the phenomenon of craving.

Pay very close attention to what I just said. If you get me wrong, you will likely relapse and or I will look foolish and or prideful.

The principals and practices of the Program of AA MUST be integrated into one’s daily living from the inside/out. Upon further investigation into AA as the Therapeutic Mechanism for Recovery, it is my confidence that you will find this to be true. I have known and know far too many people who have died with decades of recovery with many still living who are evidence of this being true.

I hope you do all the research you find necessary to prove this for yourselves. That my statements will need no further evidence. The result(s) of applying this mechanism will not only give you more success with One Day at a Time, but will also give you a greater anticipation for tomorrow.