Theory

As I read through the literature and observe the groups at Samaritan Inns, I am increasingly disturbed by the approach of this facility. Although other parts of the program are client-centered, the Intensive Recovery program requires strict obedience and adherence to the 12-step method in order to successfully recover. This program promotes the ideas of individual powerlessness, god-directed life, and shame. The first step is admitting you are powerless over addiction, which diminishes individual agency and efficacy in recovery. After performing some research, I learned that Alcoholics Anonymous was founded on the principles of god-control, advocated by a Nazi sympathizer, Frank Buchman. More disturbingly, the method also induces shame in the clients by telling them they have "character defects" that only a diety can remove.

After learning about the theoretical approaches favored in modern social work, I began to wonder what year I was in. The client-centered, evidence-based, strengths-based approach I was being taught in school was being outright ignored in my field placement. Rather than protest, I simply choose to approach the work at Samaritan Inns from a different perspective than my coworkers. I feel like I can engage better with them by preaching less and listening more. I don't see how this facility could ignore self-efficacy and mutual respect as foundational tenents of a therapeutic relationship.