Alanon is a 12 Step Program that supports recovery for the family and friends of addicts and alcoholics.
Awareness
Mindfulness and mindful meditation raise awareness. Another name for awareness is new perception or higher consciousness. This idea of a new awareness implies a higher level of reasoning in regard to both rational and emotional reasoning. From the first encounter, Alanon encourages becoming more aware,
In Alanon there are many “aha” moments, resulting in consciousness raising. Supposedly, Albert Einstein said, “One cannot solve a problem with the same level of thinking that created it.” The practice of mindfulness is a higher level of thinking or a higher level of awareness. Mindfully, we can promote a new paradigm, an improved pattern of thought.
The paradigm shift required for mental/emotional/spiritual well-being, is a practice or process well worth the effort. In Alanon and other recovery (12 Step) practices the new awareness is that “changed attitudes can aid recovery,” which leads us directly to action. A consultant aids recovery efforts by raising awareness therefore prompting change.
Action
Recovery is an active developmental process. A coach is helpful when a new member begins practicing the 12 steps mindfully. After awakening to the reality that dysfunction, or disease, is beyond our control and that you did not cause the dysfunction, a new member becomes open and willing to process the new awareness that precipitated the action.
Breaking denial is a term used by treatment professionals in the past. We now call it raising consciousness. In principle, this naturally leads to action or positive movement towards healthier behavior. A coach motivates movement through the 12 Steps. The first three steps promote willingness and openness by helping an individual surrender to the new awareness, “without help it is too much for us.”
With consultation (seeing a problem with a new more accurate perception) a new member begins to actively take inventory of the behavior(s) that support the problem. Steps 4 through 7 actively encourage an individual to explore the past and process how and why the dysfunction developed. Coaching motivates one to become ready to extinguish the flame that fuels the disease. Moving forward, the counselor steps in to complete the step work process through right action toward amends and maintenance of new behavior.
Acceptance
Compassion and empathy are often missing when one practices dysfunction. This is especially true concerning mental/emotional illness. Having moved through Steps 1, 2 and 3 (surrender) and 4 through 6 (inventory and readiness) we arrive at Steps 8 and 9 (amends). We build empathy, towards those people we have harmed, by working Steps 1 through 7.
With counseling we receive guidance how to proceed towards amends. Asking for forgiveness is a difficult endeavor, we need support. “Without help it is too much for us,” is a quote from chapter five of A.A.’s textbook. A counselor aids the individual by processing the inventory (steps 4 through 7). The development of acceptance of the past mistakes gives the individual courage to ask for forgiveness (amends) and compassion for the suffering both caused and endured.
Mindfulness promotes awareness. Recovery motivates action and compassion develops empathy and courage to continue toward Steps 10, 11 and 12. Consulting raises consciousness, coaching prompts changing behaviors and counseling helps prevent recidivism. Maintenance prevents the wheels coming off the train of recovery.