Although there are common group techniques to be learned, anyone who has compassion for others can help them to better understand themselves. The information about themselves is very personal and should always be given from a positive point-of-view.

Denial isn't about lying; it is about not telling the truth because the truth is an unknown. Addictions provide us with escapes from reality. Giving up an addiction means giving up the world the addict has created and learning about the world that is unfolding around each of us.

Holding on to an addiction is extremely time-consuming so in order to help others we have to help them to discover themselves: the hobbies, pastimes, desires that may have been given up long ago.

So in order to help others, the mentor gives first the solution by helping the addict to discover him/herself. This is a direct reversal of the medical/AA model of stripping a person bare in order to rebuild him/her. The self-discovery method helps a person to grow with dignity.

In learning new areas of self-discovery, when the addict finds many other pastimes and talents, the addiction will become less and less needed. The mentor has to remember that the addict is in a circular pattern of responding to life and the circle of negative thinking must be interrupted.

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