Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Philosophy and Practice of Alcoholics Anonymous and Related 12-Step Programs

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Social Work Practice in the Addictions

Part of the book series: Contemporary Social Work Practice ((Contemp. Social Work Practice))

  • 4212 Accesses

Abstract

Twelve-step programs are voluntary, nonprofessional, self-directed groups that use peer support to promote recovery from an addiction. Twelve-step programs are among the most utilized and often misunderstood resources within addiction treatment. Social workers receive minimal training in the philosophy or practice of 12-step programs, preventing them from maximizing the benefits of this important resource. This chapter provides an overview of the philosophy and practice of 12-step programs in order for social workers to effectively use this resource in routine practice.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    “Much to our relief, we discovered that we did not need to consider another’s conception of God. Our own conception, however inadequate, was sufficient to make the approach and to effect a contact with Him. (…) To us, the Realm of Spirit is broad, roomy, all-inclusive; never exclusive or forbidding to those who honestly seek. It is open, we believe, to all men” (3rd Edition, p. 46).

  2. 2.

    Twelve-step groups also offer speakers to come to classes and other gatherings of professionals in order to educate the general public on their fellowships. They can be located through the local telephone directory or on the Internet.

  3. 3.

    http://www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org

  4. 4.

    http://www.nattc.org/userfiles/file/Vol.%2012,%20Issue%207.pdf

References

  • Alcoholics Anonymous General Service Office. (2011a). Origins. Retrieved March 1, 2011, from http://www.aa.org/aatimeline/.

  • Alcoholics Anonymous General Service Office. (2011b). A.A. preamble. Retrieved March 1, 2011, from http://www.aa.org/lang/en/en_pdfs/smf-92_en.pdf.

  • Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. (1939–2001). Alcoholics Anonymous: The story of how many thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism (4th ed.). New York: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc. (1952). Twelve steps and twelve traditions. New York: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc. (2011a). Estimates of A.A. groups and members. Retrieved September 28, 2011, from http://www.aa.org/lang/en/subpage.cfm?page=74.

  • Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc. (2011b). Information on AA: More information for professionals. Retrieved September 28, 2011, from http://www.aa.org/lang/en/subpage.cfm?page=222.

  • Atkins, R. G., & Howdon, J. E. (2007). Religiosity and participation in mutual-aid support groups for addiction. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 33, 321–331.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caldwell, P. E. (1999). Fostering client connections with alcoholics anonymous: A framework for social workers in various practice settings. Social Work and Health Care, 28(4), 45–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caldwell, P. E., & Cutter, H. S. (1998). Alcoholics anonymous affiliation during early recovery. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 15(3), 221–228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, E., Feinn, R., Arias, A., & Kranzler, H. R. (2007). Alcohol treatment utilization: Findings from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 86, 214–221.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cross, G. M., Morgan, C. W., Mooney, A. J., 3rd, Martin, C. A., & Rafter, J. A. (1990). Alcoholism treatment: A ten-year follow-up study. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 14(2), 169–173.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis, D. R., & Jansen, G. G. (1998). Making meaning of Alcoholics Anonymous for social workers: Myths, metaphors, and realities. Social Work, 43(2), 169–182.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ferri, M., Amato, L., & Davoli, M. (2006). Alcoholics anonymous and other 12-step programmes for alcohol dependence. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, July(3), CD 005032

    Google Scholar 

  • Fiorentine, R., & Hillhouse, M. P. (2000). Exploring the additive effects of drug misuse treatment and twelve-step involvement: Does twelve-step ideology matter? Substance Use and Misuse, 35(3), 367–397.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gossop, M., Harris, J., Best, D., Man, L. H., Manning, V., Marshall, J., et al. (2003). Is attendance at alcoholics anonymous meetings after inpatient treatment related to improved outcomes? 6-month follow-up. Alcohol & Alcoholism, 38(5), 421–426.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gross, M. (2010). Alcoholics anonymous: Still sober after 75 years. American Journal of Public Health, 100(12), 2361–2363.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harris, K., Baker, A., Kimball, T., & Shumway, S. (2008). Achieving systems-based sustained recovery: A comprehensive model for collegiate recovery communities. Journal of Groups in Addiction and Recovery, 2(2–4), 220–237.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Humphreys, K. (2004). Circles of recovery: Self-help organizations for addictions. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Humphreys, K., & Moos, R. (2001). Can encouraging substance abuse patients to participate in self-help groups reduce demand for health care? A quasi-experimental study. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 25(5), 711–716.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Humphreys, K., & Moos, R. H. (2007). Encouraging posttreatment self-help group involvement to reduce demand for continuing care services: Two-year clinical and utilization outcomes. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 31(1), 64–68.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaskutas, L. A. (2009). Alcoholics anonymous effectiveness: Faith meets science. Journal of Addictive Disorders, 28(2), 145–147.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaskutas, L. A., Subbaraman, M. S., Witbrodt, J., & Zemore, S. E. (2008). Effectiveness of making alcoholics anonymous easier: A group format 12-Step facilitation approach. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 37, 228–239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, J. F., Dow, S. J., Yeterian, J. D., & Kahler, C. W. (2010). Can 12-step group participation strengthen and extend the benefits of adolescent addiction treatment? A prospective analysis. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 110(1–2), 117–125.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, J.F., Hoeppner, B., Stout, R.L., & Pagano, M. (2011). Determining the relative importance of the mechanisms of behavior change within Alcoholics Anonymous: A multiple mediator­analysis. Addiction, 107(2), 289–299.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, J. F., Stout, R. L., Magill, M., & Tonigan, J. S. (2011). The role of Alcoholics Anonymous in mobilizing adaptive social network changes: A prospective lagged mediational analysis. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 114(2–3), 119–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kownacki, R. J., & Shadish, W. R. (1999). Does alcoholics anonymous work? The results from a meta-analysis of controlled experiments. Substance Use and Misuse, 9, 1897–1916.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kurtz, E. (1979). Not-God: A history of Alcoholics Anonymous. Center City, MN: Hazelden Educational Materials.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kurtz, L. F. (1997). Self help and Support Groups: A handbook for practitioners. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laudet, A. B. (2000). Substance abuse treatment providers’ referral to self-help: Review and future empirical directions. International Journal of Self-Help and Self-Care, 1(3), 195–207.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laudet, A. B. (2007). What does recovery mean to you? Lessons from the recovery experience for research and practice. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 33(3), 243–256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laudet, A. B. (2008). The impact of Alcoholics Anonymous on other substance abuse related Twelve Step Programs. Recent Development in Alcoholism., 18, 71–89.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laudet, A. B., Magura, S., Cleland, C. M., Vogel, H. S., Knight, E. L., & Rosenblum, A. (2004). The effect of 12-step based fellowship participation on abstinence among dually diagnosed persons: A two-year longitudinal study. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 36(2), 207–216 (PMCID: 1797895).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laudet, A. B., Magura, S., Vogel, H. S., & Knight, E. (2000). Addictions services. Support, mutual aid and recovery from dual diagnosis. Community Mental Health Journal, 36, 457–474.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laudet, A. B., Savage, R., & Mahmood, D. (2002). Pathways to long-term recovery: A preliminary investigation. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 34(3), 305–311.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laudet, A., Stanick, V., & Sands, B. (2007). The effect of onsite 12-step meetings on post-treatment outcomes among polysubstance-dependent outpatient clients. Evaluation Review, 31(6), 613–646.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luborsky, L., Barber, J. P., Siqueland, L., McLellan, A. T., & Woody, G. (1997). Establishing a therapeutic alliance with substance abusers. NIDA Research Monograph, 165, 233–244.

    Google Scholar 

  • Makela, K., Arminen, I., Bloomfield, K., Eisenbach-Stangl, I., Bergmark, K. H., Kurube, N., et al. (1996). Alcoholics Anonymous as a mutual help movement. Madison, WI: The University of Wisconsin Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Margolis, R., Kilpatrick, A., & Mooney, B. (2000). A retrospective look at long-term adolescent recovery: Clinicians talk to researchers. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 32(1), 117–125.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKay, J. R., Merikle, E., Mulvaney, F. D., Weiss, R. V., & Koppenhaver, J. M. (2001). Factors accounting for cocaine use two years following initiation of continuing care. Addiction, 96(2), 213–225.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McLellan, A. T., Woody, G. E., Luborsky, L., & Goehl, L. (1988). Is the counselor an “active ingredient” in substance abuse rehabilitation? An examination of treatment success among four counselors. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disorders, 176(7), 423–430.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Montgomery, H. A., Miller, W. R., & Tonigan, J. S. (1993). Differences among AA groups: Implications for research. Journal of Studies on Alcoholism, 54(4), 502–504.

    Google Scholar 

  • Montgomery, H. A., Miller, W. R., & Tonigan, J. S. (1995). Does Alcoholics Anonymous involvement predict treatment outcome? Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 12(4), 241–246.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morgenstern, J., Labouvie, E., McCrady, B. S., Kahler, C. W., & Frey, R. M. (1997). Affiliation with Alcoholics Anonymous after treatment: A study of its therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 65(5), 768–777.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Najavits, L. M., Crits-Christoph, P., & Dierberger, A. (2000). Clinicians’ impact on the quality of substance use disorder treatment. Substance Use and Misuse, 35(12–14), 2161–2190.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Narcotics Anonymous. (2010). Information about NA. Retrieved March 1, 2011 from http://www.na.org/admin/include/spaw2/uploads/pdf/PR/Information_about_NA.pdf.

  • Nealon-Woods, M. A., Ferrari, J. R., & Jason, L. A. (1995). Twelve-step program use among Oxford House residents: Spirituality or social support in sobriety? Journal of Substance Abuse, 7(3), 311–318.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nowinski, J. (2006). The twelve step facilitation outpatient program. Center City, MN: Hazelden Educational Materials.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perron, B. E., Mowbray, O. P., Glass, J. E., Delva, J., Vaughn, M. G., & Howard, M. O. (2009). Differences in service utilization and barriers among Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites with drug use disorders. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 13(4), 1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perron, B. E., Grahovac, I. D., & Parrish, D. (2010). Students for recovery: A novel approach to supporting students on campus. Psychiatric Services, 61, 633.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Perron, B. E., Grahovac, I. D., Uppal, J. S., Granillo, T. M., Shutter, J., & Porter, C. A. (2011). Supporting students in recovery on college campuses: Opportunities for student affairs professionals. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 48(1), 47–64.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Potter-Efron, R. T. (1988). Shame and guilt: Definitions, processes and treatment issues with AODA clients. In R. T. Potter-Efron & P. S. Potter-Efron (Eds.), The treatment of shame and guilt in alcoholism counseling (pp. 7–24). New York: Haworth Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Project MATCH Research Group. (1997). Matching alcoholism treatments to client heterogeneity: Project MATCH posttreatment drinking outcomes. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 58, 7–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Project Match Research Group. (1998). Matching alcoholism treatments to client heterogeneity: Project MATCH three-year drinking outcomes. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 22(6), 1300–1311.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Riessman, F. (1965). The ‘helper therapy’ principle. Social Work, 10, 27–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sisson, R. W., & Mallams, J. H. (1981). The use of systematic encouragement and community access procedures to increase attendance at Alcoholic Anonymous and Al-Anon meetings. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 8(3), 371–376.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2011). Recovery defined—A unified working definition and set of principles. Retrieved August 25, 2011, from http://blog.samhsa.gov/2011/05/20/recovery-defined-a-unified-working-definition-and-set-of-principles/.

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2008). Substance abuse in brief factsheet: An introduction to mutual support groups for alcohol and drug abuse. Retrieved September 28 from: http://www.kap.samhsa.gov/products/brochures/pdfs/saib_spring08_v5i1.pdf.

  • Timko, C., & Debenedetti, A. (2007). A randomized controlled trial of intensive referral to 12-step self-help groups: One-year outcomes. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 90(2–3), 270–279.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Timko, C., Debenedetti, A., & Billow, R. (2006). Intensive referral to 12-step self-help groups and 6-month substance use disorder outcomes. Addiction, 101(5), 678–688.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Timko, C., Finney, J. W., Moos, R. H., & Moos, B. S. (1995). Short-term treatment careers and outcomes of previously untreated alcoholics. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 56(6), 597–610.

    Google Scholar 

  • Timko, C., Moos, R. H., Finney, J. W., Moos, B. S., & Kaplowitz, M. S. (1999). Long-term treatment careers and outcomes of previously untreated alcoholics. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 60(4), 437–447.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tonigan, J. S., Miller, W. R., & Schermer, C. (2002). Atheists, agnostics, and Alcoholics Anonymous. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 63(5), 534–541.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tonigan, J. S., Toscova, R., & Miller, W. R. (1996). Meta-analysis of the literature on alcoholics anonymous: Sample and study characteristics moderate findings. Journal of Studies on Alcoholism, 57, 65–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trice, H. M., & Staudenmeier, W. J. (1989). A sociocultural history of alcoholics anonymous. Recent Developments in Alcoholism, 7, 11–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Department of Education Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention. (2010). Meeting the needs of students in recovery. Retrieved March 1, 2011 from http://www.higheredcenter.org/files/prevention_updates/august20l0.pdf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walitzer, K. S., Dermen, K. H., & Barrick, C. (2009). Facilitating involvement in alcoholics anonymous during outpatient treatment: A randomized clinical trial. Addiction, 104, 391–401.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walsh, D. C., Hingson, R. W., Merrigan, D. M., Cupples, L. A., Levenson, S. M., & Coffman, G. A. (1991). Associations between alcohol and cocaine use in a sample of problem-drinking employees. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 52(1), 17–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Whelan, P. J., Marshall, E. J., Ball, D. M., & Humphreys, K. (2009). The role of AA sponsors: A pilot study. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 44(4), 416–422.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • White, B. J., & Madara, E. J. (1996). The self-help sourcebook (5th ed.). Denville, NJ: American Self-Help Clearinghouse.

    Google Scholar 

  • Winzelberg, A., & Humphreys, K. (1999). Should patients’ religiosity influence clinicians’ referral to 12-step self-help groups? Evidence from a study of 3,018 male substance abuse patients. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 67(5), 790–794.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Missouri at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Joseph G. Pickard

  2. National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., New York, NY, USA

    Alexandre Laudet

  3. The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA

    Ivana D. Grahovac

Authors
  1. Joseph G. Pickard
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Alexandre Laudet
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ivana D. Grahovac
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Joseph G. Pickard .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Saint Louis University, 3550 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, 63103, Missouri, USA

    Michael G. Vaughn

  2. University of Michigan, 1080 S. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, 48103, Michigan, USA

    Brian E. Perron

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Pickard, J.G., Laudet, A., Grahovac, I.D. (2012). The Philosophy and Practice of Alcoholics Anonymous and Related 12-Step Programs. In: Vaughn, M., Perron, B. (eds) Social Work Practice in the Addictions. Contemporary Social Work Practice. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5357-4_8

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation