12-Step Groups

Paper Summary:

This paper outlines the experiences and observations of the writer during attendance at three 12-Step self-help groups: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a Cocaine Users Anonymous (CA) and a Shoppers Anonymous (SA) group. The 12-step abstinence based method pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the most widely used form of addiction treatment. It describes the groups, their demographics, their activities, the relations of these activities to the course and the reactions of the writer.

From the Paper:

"Interestingly, several members stated that this was their second, third, or even fourth time of being "in" AA. As Miller (1995) has commented, many individuals who participate in AA and other 12-Step groups drop in and out of attendance and membership, remaining "clean and sober" for a period of time and then relapsing into alcohol use or other addictive behaviors. This group was no exception; five people with whom I spoke said they had earned their "100 day chips" only to relapse and begin all over again. Most members stated that they attended an average of 3 meetings per week, but it was recommended that a daily meeting was associated with an enhanced potential for remaining "clean and sober." "

More papers on 12-Step Groups:

• Analytical Essay # 8239 : "Twelve-Step Program to Escaping Dante's Hell"
• Analytical Essay # 16271 : "Alcoholics Anonymous"
• Descriptive Essay # 129944 : "Memory Experiment"
• Essay # 57436 : "Drinking Behavior and Alcoholics Anonymous"

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