Question

Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the Twelve Steps approach and motivational enhancement approach, in your opinion. Use your reading and any other research to support your thoughts.

Answer 1

Twelve steps approach programme is for de addiction of alcohol or drugs for adolescents. It starts from admitting that a person has got addiction and ends where a person confesses to gods or asks god to accept all his problems. The god in turn accepts and forgives the person is the last step. It has following strengths and weaknesses.

Following are the strengths and weaknesses:

It helps in gaining sense of belongingness, also helps in being responsible for the problem, it destigmatizes any addiction. It also offers a total involvement in a community of non-users

Weaknesses - There is o medical advice, it requires a person to have a strong religious base, many people have difficulties in accepting that they are addicts.

Motivational enhancement approach - Like 12 step approach, this MET( Motivational enhancement therapy) also helps in stopping drug abuse. In this mainly the therapists use the main motivational words or the techniques to strengthen the other person. It involves two to four individual session, first is assessment , then planning for change, identifying risks etc, the therapists monitor changes, and continues to provide feedback.

I have personally read about these programmes for the first time. Both programmes are very good. There are different approaches to handle a person. A person may be handled differently. Some may trust god and find it more comfortable while others may feel themselves to be more motivational over to god or any factors like religious. It is important to come out of addiction by any means. 12 steps approach can be more comfortable for people, as they have a a person or god whom they confess. A motivational approach can also be comfortable as it restores the broken self confidence.