Moderation Menace
Debriel
Audrey Kishline has been a menace to society for most of her life, as have I, and as have numerous others who have been addicted to harmful behaviors. Kishline appears to be accountable for her criminal behavior - we can all give her a break now. I do remain curious as to how she is going to actively participate in AA while still contending alcoholism is not a disease. Maybe Kishline will write an insightful book about that.
While nobody is pleased with Kishline, many are taking her latest as an opportunity to argue the merit of their particular addiction philosophy (see Kishline comments). Proponents of AA Alternatives might just as soon not talk about it. After all, there is a handy misconception held by many Minnesota Model alcohol and drug practitioners that the term "AA Alternatives" (AAA) is synonymous with moderate drug or alcohol use. One of my least favorite of past times happens to be the educating of Minnesota Model thinkers on this very issue: AA Alternatives is NOT synonymous to moderation.
I make no claims to being an addiction expert. I am, though, an expert on addiction experts. I happen to know AAA to include moderation, as models like Kishline's do, but it is not synonymous. There are numerous approaches that encompass AAA. While I do not agree with each alternative, I continue to advocate for the proper education of all practitioners on what "AA Alternatives" is and is not. Maybe someday this will even be built in to the licensing exam for Alcohol and Drug Counselors in this State. Maybe someday with the efforts and dedication of people like us here at EASE - Minnesota will see Public Policy changes for the addiction treatment industry. I guess that is why I stick around this place, it certainly isn't for the fringe benefits or glamorous workload.
While certain professionals and skeptics are able to easily separate the behavior of one person from the movement she formerly led, I do not. I think Moderation Management should end. A couple of months ago I wrote about the harm inherent in "support group" therapies. I guess I will take the opportunity to use Kishline's story as proof of my own humble little addiction philosophy. Messed up people should not be leading groups of other people. There is no difference, as Kishline and some professionals who continue to be her supporters contend, between an alcoholic and a problem drinker. It is ridiculous to assert that. If alcohol and drug addictions are NOT DISEASE's, as Kishline and I and others do contend, then there is no difference between problem users and chronic users. There may be a continuum of use or problems, but there is no inherent difference between them. This is but one of Kishline's disturbing preachings.
Now consider that Kishline has been the leader of this movement and that there are numerous other less visible people leading groups around the nation. Nobody is paying attention to what these people are doing. People who have not been able to manage their own problems should stay clear of other people and keep their menacing ideas to themselves. Their desire to contribute to their cause or a movement would be better used in administrative capacities, I am sure. If you want to get help for an addiction problem, please get help from a licensed and well-educated professional. Because even if they are unable to manage their own life problems, at least there are standards these people must account to. If you believe you have changed and wish to now be of help to others, volunteer by way of not playing therapist or recovery group leader. You can volunteer for us. We have all kinds of fun, challenging tasks to delegate!
Working on changing a harmful addiction is a very good thing in and of itself. How you decide to do it should always be your choice. Please make a well-informed choice. You can call EASE to get information, but you better talk to the President rather than myself. I am way too biased and opinionated - as my forewarning to you indicates: If you desire moderate drug or alcohol use, support groups will not help you. If you want to moderate, DO IT. Read about harm reduction techniques, addictive voice recognition, virtuous addiction replacement - there's all kinds of good stuff out there. We can send information, or yes, talk to others - and DO seek the advice of a licensed professional when you want to. If you find yourself "unable" to achieve moderation, you would be better off just abstaining. If you find yourself unable to abstain, at least you have the right idea. Keep working on it. Addiction Change is a long-term process. Keep working on it.
EASE Non-profit hopes to gather a list of licensed professionals who teach harm reduction and/or sponsor educational workshops that teach it and other diverse approaches.
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