Helping other Alcoholics and Relapse

The specific mechanisms of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) that mobilize and sustain behavior change are poorly understood.

This study examined the relationship between helping other alcoholics in AA and relapse in the year following treatment for alcohol use disorders. Data were derived from a longitudinal investigation of the efficacy of three behavioral treatments for alcohol abuse and dependence (Project MATCH). Probabilities of time to alcohol relapse were calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates. Proportional hazards regressions, with control for number of AA meetings attended, were conducted to determine whether the likelihood of relapse was lower for those who were helping other alcoholics.

those who were helping other alcoholics . . . were significantly less likely to relapse in the year following treatment

Age was the only demographic characteristic that distinguished participants involved in helping other alcoholics; those who were helping other alcoholics were, on average, 3 years older than those who were not helping alcoholics and were significantly less likely to relapse in the year following treatment, independent of the number of AA meetings attended.

Thus recovering alcoholics who help other alcoholics (mutual-help) maintain long-term sobriety after formal treatment are better able to maintain their own sobriety.

The authors conclude that clinicians who treat substance abuse disorders should encourage their clients to help other recovering alcoholics to stay sober.

Research report; Pagano ME, Friend KB, Tonigan JS, and Stout RL. Helping other alcoholics in alcoholics anonymous and drinking outcomes: Findings from Project MATCH. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 65(6):766-773, November 2004.