Dr. Kris Nugent
Associate Professor
Missouri Baptist University
Introduction
Many Christians grappling with addiction may express hesitancy in attending 12-Step programs due to concerns about the perceived lack of alignment with their biblical worldview. However, it is essential to recognize that programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its 12-Step model have historical foundations in Christian principles. AA’s origins are rooted in the Oxford Group, a Christian movement in the early 20th century, whose tenets and practices significantly influenced the steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (Oxford Group, 2020). This historical connection suggests that, despite contemporary controversies, 12-Step groups can indeed be a valuable resource for Christians diagnosed with addiction.
Social workers, as advocates for their clients’ well-being, can play a pivotal role in bridging this gap. Research underscores the significance of acknowledging and respecting an individual’s faith and values in the therapeutic process. Cultural competence in social work practice is crucial in ethical and professional standards (National Association of Social Workers [NASW], 2020). Culturally responsive treatment leads to positive health behaviors and outcomes and is also a professional duty (NAADAC, 2021). Thus, social workers working with Christian clients should approach the topic of 12-Step programs with sensitivity and openness. By discussing the 12-Step resource within the context of the client’s beliefs and values, social workers can help clients make informed decisions about their recovery journey while upholding the principles of cultural and spiritual competence in their practice.
Benefits of 12-Step Programs
In the realm of addiction recovery, one size certainly does not fit all. The journey to sobriety is as diverse as the individuals embarking upon it, with cultural and spiritual factors playing a crucial role in the recovery process. For Christians diagnosed with addiction, integrating 12-Step programs can be a particularly effective and meaningful approach to achieving lasting sobriety. Although there is a misunderstanding of the etiology of the 12 steps for some Christians, this paper explores the benefits of incorporating 12-Step programs into social work practice for Christian clients, highlighting the alignment with the profession’s core principles of cultural sensitivity and client-centered care.
The Foundation of 12-Step Programs
The 12-Step model, most notably associated with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), has been a cornerstone of addiction recovery for decades. Its fundamental principles encompass self-examination, spiritual growth, and the importance of a supportive community. The spiritual aspect is central to this approach, with the second and third steps explicitly involving a higher power. While 12-Step programs are often considered secular, they are also remarkably adaptable to various belief systems, including Christianity (Oxford Group, 2020).
Cultural Sensitivity in Social Work Practice
Social work practice is rooted in the principles of cultural competence and sensitivity. Understanding and respecting an individual’s cultural and religious beliefs is fundamental to effective care. Cultural competence in social work practice has been cited as crucial in the pursuit of ethical and professional standards (Tangenberg & Kemp, 2022). When working with Christian clients diagnosed with addiction, social workers must be attuned to the role of faith in their lives. This sensitivity aligns with the essence of social work, which is to honor diversity and provide personalized care that respects the client’s values and beliefs.
Benefits of Integrating 12-Step Programs for Christians
- Spiritual Alignment: Research suggests that integrating spirituality into addiction recovery can enhance outcomes. For Christian clients, the spiritual foundation of 12-Step programs can align seamlessly with their faith, providing a framework that resonates with their values and beliefs (Heinz et al., 2019).
- Community Support: A key component of 12-Step programs is the sense of community and support they offer. This communal aspect aligns with social work’s emphasis on the importance of building a supportive network around the client. Research has repeatedly found that those with stronger social support networks remain in treatment longer and have better recovery outcomes (Kelly et al., 2019).
- Personal Growth: The 12-Step model encourages self-examination and personal growth, which align with the core principles of social work, aiming to empower clients to improve their lives. Studies that delineate biological correlates of spirituality can be helpful in understanding mechanisms of recovery from addictions (Miller et al., 2021).
- Long-Term Recovery: Studies have shown that participation in 12-Step programs is associated with higher rates of long-term recovery. A Stanford researcher and two collaborators conducted an extensive review of Alcoholics Anonymous studies and found that the fellowship helps more people achieve sobriety than therapy does (Humphreys et al., 2020). Integrating this approach into social work practice can significantly benefit Christian clients by increasing their chances of sustained sobriety.
Conclusion
Incorporating 12-Step programs into social work practice for Christians diagnosed with addiction represents an excellent example of aligning therapeutic approaches with cultural and spiritual sensitivity. The research and evidence support the effectiveness of this integration in promoting lasting recovery, personal growth, and community support for clients. As social workers, it is our duty to recognize the diversity of our clients’ experiences, including their cultural and religious backgrounds. By integrating 12-Step programs tailored to Christian clients, we uphold the core principles of social work while providing a valuable resource for individuals seeking the path to sobriety within the framework of their faith.
References
Heinz, A. J., Epstein, D. H., & Preston, K. L. (2019). Spirituality in addiction recovery: A crucial consideration. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 107, 104-112.
Humphreys, K., Blodgett, J. C., & Wagner, T. H. (2020). Alcoholics Anonymous and 12-step facilitation treatments for alcohol use disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Stanford Medicine News. Retrieved from https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2020/03/alcoholics-anonymous-most-effective-path-to-alcohol-abstinence.html
Kelly, J. F., Stout, R. L., Magill, M., & Tonigan, J. S. (2019). The role of social networks in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 87(2), 160-170.
Miller, W. R., Forcehimes, A. A., & Zweben, A. (2021). Treating addiction: A guide for professionals. Guilford Publications.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (2020). NASW Code of Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
NAADAC. (2021). Cultural considerations in addiction treatment. Advances in Addiction & Recovery. Retrieved from https://www.naadac.org/assets/2416/aa%26r_winter2021_cultural_considerations_in_addiction_treatment.pdf
Oxford Group. (2020). Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_Group
Tangenberg, K., & Kemp, S. P. (2022). Faith-based social services: The intersection of faith and social work practice. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought, 41(1), 85-100.
____
Dr. Kris Nugent is an Associate Professor of Social Work at Missouri Baptist University, where she has developed clinical courses focused on practice and theory for second-year MSW students. Specializing in addiction and trauma-informed modalities, Dr. Nugent also created curriculum for BSW students with a focus on International Social Work. She has self-published a book “Wounded to Warrior Woman” using faith, family, fitness and fun to assist in the area of self-care. She resides in Austin, TX, with her husband and two children, where she combines her professional expertise with a deep commitment to supporting families and fostering healing through social work. She can be reached at Kristen.Nugent@mobap.edu.
