Patient's page.

Alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, is undoubtedly the most well-known alcohol treatment program in the United States, with over a million members. AA, which centers on group therapy and a spiritual-based approach to addiction, has become the standard outpatient model for continued recovery from alcoholism. AA teaches that the alcoholic is powerless over alcohol and must submit to a higher power of his or her own understanding. While this approach has been successful for a great many people, other programs are available for people who desire a different approach, either more secular or more faith-based.

* Rational Recovery: Rational Recovery embodies the nonspiritual, individualized approach to alcohol recovery. Based entirely on the Internet, Rational Recovery promotes the ability of the individual to devise a rational, personal pathway to sobriety. There are no meetings, and there is no emphasis on a higher power. Rational Recovery utilizes the Addictive Voice Recognition Technique, or AVRT[R], which gives the addict insight into the nature of their addiction. For more information on Rational Recovery, visit their website at http://www.rational.org. Other examples of this type of approach include organizations such as Self Management and Recovery Training (SMART Recovery), Secular Organization for Sobriety, Women for Sobriety, and Moderation Management.

* Celebrate Recovery: Celebrate Recovery is a faith-based approach to alcohol addiction. This group utilizes "8 Recovery Principles," utilizing the Bible to define a Christian concept of the higher power, and incorporates weekly meetings, self-help group discussions, and individual sponsors. The program emphasizes personal responsibility and religious commitment. For more information on Celebrate Recovery, visit their website at http://www.celebraterecovery.com/index.asp. Other programs that utilize a faith-based approach include Alcoholics Victorious, Alcoholics Recovery, and Overcomers Outreach.

From "Alcohol Recovery and Spirituality: Strangers, Friends or Partners?" by Dr. Anthony Brown and colleagues. Southern Medical Journal. June 2006.

Do you bruise easily?

While there are a number of medical causes for easy bruisability, which should be discussed with your physician, several medications may also be responsible for bruising. Of course, most people know that aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil[R], Motrin[R]) can cause easy bruising, but did you know that steroids and antibiotics can, too? So, if you are an easy bruiser, and are taking any of the following medications, you may want to bring it up at your next visit to your healthcare provider:

* NSAIDS, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and nabumetone. (Motrin[R], Advil[R], Aleve[R], Naprosyn[R], and Relafen[R]);

* Anticoagulants, such as warfarin and enoxaparin. (Coumadin[R] and Lovenox[R]);

* Steroids, both oral and topical;

* SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), such as paroxetine and sertraline (Paxil[R] and Zoloft[R]);

* Antibiotics, used long term, may lead to vitamin K deficiency and easy bruisability.

From "Easy Bruisability" by Drs. Maria J. Valente and Neil Abramson. Southern Medical Journal. April 2006.

The information on this page was compiled by the Editorial Office of the Southern Medical Journal, Johnson City, TN. Please feel free to photocopy this page and share it with your patients.

Jennifer McKinney, MA