Role of religion and spirituality in recovery from drink problems

A qualitative study of Alcoholics Anonymous members and South Asian men.

The spiritual aspect of recovery for people with drinking problems was explored in a comparative analysis of South Asian men recovering from drink problems and white members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

In-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out with participants to explore significant factors that assisted recovery. Interviews were analyzed using grounded theory. Ten participants in total were interviewed; 5 were South Asian men receiving individual and/or group counseling with South Asian therapists either in an NHS or non-statutory specialist alcohol treatment service, and 5 were white members of AA.

Models of recovery for the two groups were developed and are presented.

Spirituality and religion played an important role in the experiences of recovery described by AA and South Asian participants respectively.

For AA participants their experiences reflected those described in AA’s Big Book although concepts such as that of a Higher Power were complex and multilayered, with spirituality just one, albeit significant, aspect.

South Asian participants generally underwent a re-affirmation of existing beliefs rather than the conversion type of experience described by AA participants.

The findings are discussed in relation to implications for service delivery and development and directions for future research.