Beyond “Dry Drunkenness”: Facilitating Second Stage Recovery Using Wilber's “Spectrum of Consciousness” Developmental Model

Abstract

ABSTRACT The usefulness of Wilber's “Spectrum of Consciousness” developmental model in the treatment of substance abuse is demonstrated by a case study that illustrates how underlying emotional pain and intimacy issues can be worked through in the counselling process with a client during the second stage of recovery from addiction. Wilber's model allows for narcissistic, critical self, social, identity, intimacy, existential, and psycho-spiritual issues to be integrated into the counselling process for long-term recovery. This model provides social workers and addictions counselors with a useful map in embracing client recovery.