This style of alcohol treatment finds its roots in the original Alcoholics Anonymous program founded by a New York stockbroker and an Ohio physician in the late 1930’s. The program specialized or promulgated its theory in the 1980’s with the beginning of the information age and all its specialized theories on an array of subjects.

The Social Model Program is founded upon the case histories of thousands and maybe millions of alcoholics that stopped drinking over the previous four decades. The basis of the program is centered on a safe environment, sympathetic emotions and peer pressure.  People that have experienced similar life threatening experiences like cancer, war, snake bite, car accident and more develop immediate kinship upon the revelation of each other’s experience. This holds true for the alcoholic as well.

Many suffering alcoholics can listen to difficult to digest truths about themselves when that information is asserted by an empathetic comrade. If a mother declares to her son that his thinking is distorted and does not reflect reality and is always of a persecutory nature he will often dismiss her assertion. He has already discounted her opinions many times in the past as he may feel that she bases her beliefs in some false and antiquated philosophies that obviously do not apply to the new world.

But when a peer that lives the same lifestyle and is practicing sobriety with a sincere desire to change his life states the same assertion he will be more likely to accept or at least reflect on the statement and less likely to discount it for fear that more peers may share that same opinion. The structure of social model is designed to make the alcoholic mindset uncomfortable and difficult to navigate in recovery. They have to change just to survive emotionally.

One problem with this model is the chameleon personality. An AA gentleman once spoke that if you put him in a room full of astronauts; in five minutes he will be talking like an astronaut. The chameleon uses this tactic to escape from the uncomfortable feelings that arise when having to assess their lives and take responsibility for their current situation. It was much easier to blame her or him or them. They rationalize their behavior based upon their perception of other’s behaviors.

The rule of thumb is, do not mistake rational thinking with sane thinking. Be certain, that even Hitler practiced rationalization on a daily basis and you could expect his sycophants to have done the same. Back to the alcoholic; he will change his stripes to avoid altercation. He plays rehab while in rehab but never really wants to get up to bat. At our facilities cheerleaders are given uniforms and put up to the plate; everyone must play. When an astronaut is found to be in the stands he is placed in the line-up, period!