Alliance Groups: Empowering Student Recovery

In his book, Blake Brinkman argues that the traditional approach to student recovery is often ineffective and can even be harmful. He proposes an alternative approach that focuses on building alliances between students, teachers, and parents.

Brinkman begins by defining addiction as a disease that affects the brain and body. He then discusses the different factors that can contribute to addiction, such as genetics, environment, and trauma. He also discusses the different stages of addiction and the challenges that people face when they are trying to recover.

Brinkman argues that the traditional approach to student recovery often fails because it is based on a punitive model. This model assumes that students who are struggling with addiction are simply making bad choices and that they need to be punished in order to learn their lesson. However, Brinkman argues that this approach is ineffective because it does not address the underlying causes of addiction.

Brinkman proposes an alternative approach to student recovery that is based on the principles of alliance, trust, and respect. He argues that students who are struggling with addiction need to feel safe and supported in order to recover. They need to feel like they are part of a community that cares about them and wants to help them.

Brinkman describes a number of different ways to build alliances with students who are struggling with addiction. These include:

• Creating a safe and supportive environment. This means creating a space where students feel comfortable talking about their struggles and where they are not afraid of being judged.
• Building trust. This means being honest with students and following through on your promises. It also means respecting their privacy and confidentiality.
• Showing respect. This means treating students with dignity and respect, even when they are struggling. It also means listening to them and valuing their opinions.

Brinkman argues that building alliances with students who are struggling with addiction is essential for their recovery. He provides a number of practical tips and strategies for building these alliances. He also discusses the challenges that educators and parents face when working with students who are struggling with addiction.

Alliance Groups is a valuable resource for educators, parents, and anyone else who is working with students who are struggling with addiction. It provides a new and innovative approach to student recovery that is based on the principles of alliance, trust, and respect.