Tradition or Truth?
- By Alexander Garrison
- Published 08/30/2007
Alexander Garrison
TAG, The Alexander Group was founded by Alex Garrison as a promise to "make a difference" to a dying friend...one dying of "self-abuse." For almost twenty years Mr. Garrison has been making a small impact on assisting people who have "failed with conventional treatment methods." When recently asked which program was the best his response..."the one that works and the one that teaches people how to respect themselves." Our programs success is based on people learning to "respect themselves."
Tradition or Truth?
The question is: "Is all tradition truth?" Traditional processes and programs have been having their way for many years with little to no challenge. For the sake of this space I am specifically speaking of those who are into "self abuse" commonly called "alcoholic, addict and all the cutesy names" that exist. Lets call them what they are in group form..."alibi clubs."
People exercise poor choice and develop bad habits (maybe in some cases the other way around) and then add the "victim mentality." Society has made it fashionable to go to treatment especially if you are a "self abuser." Labels do protect victims.
In reality people are in "pain" for every reason and excuse known to mankind. They are not "in happy" or they would not be disrespecting themselves. They turn to an industry for help who endorses a program of tradition...with little truth. An industry who's tradition is focused on 28 to 180 days and "you will never be cured." "Your illness is a lifetime illness." Your addiction is by your own doing... which by the way, is NOT classified as a disease in the Standard Pathology Textbooks. Addiction is not listed in the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM IV). What was once listed as alcoholism is now referred to as alcohol dependence and abuse....under substance related disorders?
ALTERNATIVE
Noun:
1. A choice between two or more possibilities.
2. One of the things to be chosen.
Adjective:
1. Allowing or necessitating a choice.
2. Existing outside conventional institutions or systems.
Most of the people that I have had the opportunity to talk with in the "true alternative sense" openly admit that their program "is not" for everyone. Isn't that truly a CHOICE? Depending on who's report you read the Guru (AA) has around a 5 to 7% (that does show what the courts think of people who are ordered there) success rate and the medical facilities 18 to 22%... while our tax dollars are looking for genetic reasons (like anyone needs additional excuses to avoid responsibility).
There are facilities who claim 100% success and some who proclaim to be the best rated program. (However, when asked who did the rating no response was issued.)
People collectively are the most powerful force in the world. They have a right to demand the "best results possible" if they are willing to make a commitment to themselves. Is that where the problem lies? In accepting responsibility we are being truthful and seeking help from traditional means and methods only to be disappointed....then turn to an alternative approach (many which are disguised but are really modified traditional programs) to get the same results.
There are alternative programs that qualify "truthfully" as such based on our opening definition. They are successful because, people who come to them are seeking a common bond...."truth." No one is "defective" but we are all different and do not belong behind "just door a, b or c." Alternatives give us "choice, optimism, self-respect and restore self-esteem."
In reality...no one can take a gun and make you start drinking....nor can they take a gun and make you stop." If you don't like where you are...you are the only one that can change it.
