After drug treatment: Are 12-step programs effective in maintaining abstinence?

Journal/Book: Amer J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 1999; 25: 270 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA. Marcel Dekker Inc. 93-116.

Abstract: Although participation in 12-step programs is now widely utilized as;a treatment aftercare resource by individuals with drug and alcohol problems, little is known about the effectiveness of such a practice. This paper identifies gaps in the existing literature and articulates methodological concerns that may compromise investigations of 12-step programs. It highlights the need for additional after-treatment studies, and it presents findings from a 24-month longitudinal after-treatment study that suggests the effectiveness of 12-step programs. Rather than a behavioral indicator of recovery motivation or a spurious relationship confounded by additional treatment, aftercare, or alumni activities that occur simultaneously with 12-step participation, the findings suggest that weekly or more frequent 12-step participation is associated with drug and alcohol abstinence. Less-than-weekly participation is not associated with favorable drug and alcohol use outcomes, and participation in 12-step programs seems to be equally useful in maintaining abstinence from both illicit drug and alcohol use. These findings point to the wisdom of a general policy that recommends weekly or more frequent participation in a 12-step program as a useful and inexpensive aftercare resource for many clients.

Note: Article Fiorentine R, Univ Calif Los Angeles, Drug Abuse Res Ctr, Inst Neuropsychiat, 1640 S Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 200, Los Angeles,CA 90025 USA

Keyword(s): alcoholics anonymous; drug treatment aftercare; drug treatment effectiveness; narcotics anonymous; 12-step programs; SUBSTANCE-ABUSE TREATMENT; MENTAL-ILLNESS; FOLLOW-UP; ALCOHOLICS; AA; PERSPECTIVES; ATTENDANCE; MOTIVATION; AFTERCARE; DISORDERS

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