Discovery and Empowerment Meetup in Central Denver, CO July Meetup

The 16-step empowerment model is a wholistic approach to overcoming addiction that views people in their wholeness-- mind, body and spirit. A fundamental basis of this model is flexibility and an openness which leads to continually ask: What works? Who does it work for? and How can we help it work better? It encourages people to be continually open to new information and not to become trapped in dogmatic teachings. At its core, this model is based on love not fear; internal control not external authoritarianism; affirmation not deflation; and trust in the ability of people to find their own healing path when given education, support, hope and choices. In the traditional 12-step approach to addiction (known as Alcoholics Anonymous), basic assumptions about addiction and addicted people are based on observations, made over 50 years ago, of 100 caucasion men who were alcoholic. The program was designed to break down an inflated ego so people could admit to having a problem with alcohol. These theories were then adopted, without examination, for a multitude of other addictions and problems, and presented routinely to people of different races and social strata as the one and only way to overcome addiction. The 16-step model helps people to develop ego strength which is seen as having a healthy ability to be introspective and to ask oneself the questions: Who am I? What do I value, believe and want? In the 16-step model, addiction is as a complex web of social factors, physical, pre-disposition and personal history. This empowerment model encourages individuals to develop their own internal belief system based on their perceptions and experiences. It is fluid and open to change as the person evolves. It believes that a major task of healing from addiction is to validate the underlying, positive survival goals for safety, connection, pleasure, love and power. Then to find non-addictive and positive ways to meet those needs. It is also crucial to create a healthy physical balance to prevent cravings. The 16-step model addresses issues of cultural diversity and internalized oppression stemming from sexism, racism, classism, and homophobia. In this model, the concept of "codependency" is understood as a form of internalized oppression, rather than an addiction to security, in a cultural context as well as an individual problem. In surveys sent to both male and female members of 16-step groups asking for responses, respondents most often listed: improving self-esteem; helping them believe in their own wisdom; giving them permission to be creative; expressing and validating their personal beliefs and feelings; and helping to be more courageous as being the positive effects of a 16-step group. The 16-step model encourages people to use this or any other model as a springboard to find their own voice. And while it is crucial to acknowledge the power of addiction, this model helps people affirm the power they do have to take charge of their lives and overcome addiction. Developing one's passion, finding purpose, bonding with others and becoming involved in social change are seen as antidotes to addiction. This approach does not posture itself as the one way or the right way, nor does it make assumptions about the length of time it takes or the path that must be followed.At our meetings, we will begin with introductions. If you wish you may briefly share an empowering experience from your week, or briefly share what you need from the group. Following we will have a meditation or silence. We will lead into the meditation with an inspirational reading. After meditation, we will read the 16 steps. Next, we will have a time for personal sharing. People may use their time as they choose. We will close by rereading the inspirational story. How to find me: I will be there at the table by the basketball courts. I will have my two dogs with me a little brown dachshund and a big gray weimaraner. I am a short woman with brown hair and in my early 30s.