WHAT IS A SOCIAL MODEL PROGRAM?

 

Social model programs have these traits or characteristics:

 

1. THE BASIS OF AUTHORITY IS EXPERIENCE-BASED KNOWLEDGE; the                                                                                                                                                               program emphasizes experience-based learning as the way to recovery.

 

    The best way to really “learn” how to recover from alcoholism is by going through the 

    Recovery process.  This process of learning a skill or acquiring a body of knowledge         

    By doing is called a process of experience-based learning.

 

    In Alcoholics Anonymous and in social model recovery programs, alcoholics learn to

    Recover from alcoholism on a one-day-at-a-time basis; the recovering alcoholic learns 

    To recover by doing it.  He is guided and aided in this process by observing and inter-

    Acting with people who have even more experience in the recovery process.

 

2.  THE PRIMARY THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP IS BETWEEN THE   PERSON AND THE PROGRAM, rather than between the person and the individual   therapist.

 

     In social model programs, the individual’s primary relationship is with the group as a

     Whole.  A recovering alcoholic is encouraged to discuss problems with any member of

     The staff, as well as with other program participants and volunteers.

 

3. EVERYONE BOTH GIVES AND RECIEVES HELP.  Staff of social model alcoholism programs frequently says that they are there as much for the support of their   own sobriety as to help others.  That is, they are working in a program because they receive help and strength in their own lives from their work.  This same principle is true for volunteers in social model programs.

 

   Conversely, even the newest resident in a social model recovery home is expected to

   Make some contribution toward program operation.  In the beginning, this contribution

   May be simply helping out the kitchen or with routine housework.  As the new resident

   Proceeds with his recovery, he is expected to take more responsibility for program

   Operation.  Towards the end of his residency he may be involved with facilitating group

   Discussions, providing orientation to new residents, and working on alcohol- related

   Issues in the surrounding community.

 

 4.  THE BASIC PRINCIPLES AND DYNAMICS OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS CREATE THE FUNDAMENTAL FRAMEWORK for social model programs.  AA values such as honesty, tolerance, willingness to try, and the emphasis on helping other alcoholics form the fundamental basis for social model program operation.