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9th Circuit Ruling AA/NA

Last post 12-21-2007 2:45 PM by Aaron Hartman. 2 replies.
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  • 9th Circuit Ruling AA/NA
    09-25-2007 3:05 PM
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    • Aaron Hartman

    • Top 75 Contributor
    • Joined on 08-15-2007
    • Malheur County, Oregon
    • Level 2 MVP
    • Points 173

    What group options are available to replace AA/NA groups that would meet the secular description in the ruling?  I have heard of two "Rationale Recovery" and "Smart Recovery"

    What are other States affected by the 9th ruling doing to work with the decision?

    Aaron Hartman
    Director
    Malheur County Community Corrections
  • Re: 9th Circuit Ruling AA/NA
    12-16-2007 6:14 AM
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     Aaron,

     The ruling (and similar previous rulings) says the government can't mandate or compel offenders on supervision to attend religious self-help groups like AA or NA, but it doesn't say they can't be part of an offender's treatment plan if the offender is inclined to attend them. I usually suggest that the person attend a community self-help group of their choosing, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, or any other group that might be offered through a local community center. I have yet to actually meet an offender who did not want to attend 12-step meetings on religious grounds. If your agency offers in-house groups, you have greater assurance that the offender actually attended.

     SMART recovery groups are not widely offered and usually require a higher degree of literacy and cognitive ability than many offenders possess, but they are a nice option. I have found meetings and information on www.smartrecovery.org. Rational Recovery does not actually have meetings anymore. Rational Recovery was billed as a secular CBT alternative to 12-step groups, but the founder ultimately turned it into his platform for a diatribe against 12-step groups.

     I see that it's been awhile since you posted your question, so you have most likely discovered all of this by now. If not, I hope this helps.

    JLB 

  • Re: 9th Circuit Ruling AA/NA
    12-21-2007 2:45 PM
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    • Aaron Hartman

    • Top 75 Contributor
    • Joined on 08-15-2007
    • Malheur County, Oregon
    • Level 2 MVP
    • Points 173

    JLB it does help and we are using some of your suggestions.  Thanks for the help.

    Aaron Hartman
    Director
    Malheur County Community Corrections
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