What 'Sobriety Sampling' Means to Alcoholics

Sobriety sampling is a type of Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) used in alcohol treatment that therapists are using to encourage alcoholics to stay in recovery minus the rigid rules. The Life Link Training Institute defines it as “a technique that teaches the client to abstain from alcohol for a mutually agreed-upon limited amount of time. This lets the client experience sobriety and to reflect on how sobriety may be a positive experience.” Clinicians most commonly use the technique on young adults and teenagers because they do not necessarily believe that they have to stop their substance abuse habit.

Michael Pond, a Vancouver psychotherapist and a former alcoholic, shared his experiences on incorporating the technique in his practice in a piece he wrote for the Vancouver Sun. He has employed the technique on patients—including his brother—with notable success, although it is too early to tell that the technique would be as effective for the long-term.

In treating his patient identified as Sue, Pond said he started the therapy by asking her to remove the label [alcoholic] and describe her drinking behavior “because of the baggage that comes with it.” The goal he said was to create a “new narrative” that Sue can “believe in, one that scaffolds success.” This helps Sue realize that the drinking is the root of all her problems, and that it’s not her.

He then requested Sue to narrate her story in the third person. Pond said clients gain new insight on their drinking as they dissect their drinking behavior. “It allows them to look at the behavior objectively and to develop a sense of compassion for themselves; something their addiction drained long ago,” he said.

The last step is to inspire Sue to slowly abandon the habit--“what she believes is doable.” Sue said she can commit to two weeks without a single drop of alcohol and would update Pond daily about the progress she has made. As soon as Sue relays her account of her new path to recovery to Pond, Pond would update his audience. 

Behavioral modification is a powerful tool for helping alcohol-dependent persons live a sober life. A boost, however, from treatment medications like acamprosate or naltrexone can help them remain in recovery better, especially when their health is already at severe risk.   

“These behavioral techniques can work on some, but many others need that added help in the form of medical intervention,”said BioCorRx, Inc. BICX Chief Operating Officer Brady Grainier in an interview. BioCorRx, Inc. is one of the fastest growing companies in the substance abuse addiction treatment sector.

The company is also widely known for its Start Fresh Program, a two-tiered program that takes a different approach to addiction rehabilitation. The first phase of the program involves an outpatient medical procedure to embed a specially formulated, biodegradable naltrexone implant under the skin and fatty tissue in the lower abdominal area.

The second tier of the program involves a private, one-on-one coaching program to address the specific needs of the individual and to help him or her plan for a life free from substance abuse.

For more information on BioCorRx, Inc.’s Start Fresh Program, you may reach the company’s headquarters via phone: 714-462-4880, or visit www.StartFreshProgram.com.