AA utilization after introduction in outpatient treatment

Abstract

Treatment for alcohol dependence is often provided in outpatient settings, and often includes introduction to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Relatively little is known about subsequent AA utilization. Analyses of survey data collected from 72 clients of an outpatient treatment center introduced to AA revealed that, 6 months following intake, a large portion of the responding sample of 55 were still attending AA meetings. Principal components analysis of self-reports of the frequencies of 12 AA-related behaviors found three dimensions of AA utilization: fellowship or social involvement, meeting attendance and participation, and involvement in bureaucratic functioning and meeting production. Results suggest it is important to consider these dimensions of utilization for those wishing to understand AA involvement.