What do adolescents exposed to Alcoholics Anonymous think about 12-step groups?
OBJECTIVE
Referral to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a common continuing care recommendation. Evidence suggests some youth benefit, yet, despite referrals, youth participation is low. Little is known about adolescents' experiences of AA/NA. Greater knowledge would inform and help tailor aftercare recommendations.


METHODS
Two clinical samples of youth (N = 74 and N= 377) were asked about their perceptions of, and experiences with, AA/NA with responses categorized by content into domains assessed for face validity and reliability.


RESULTS
The aspects of AA/NA youth liked best were general group dynamic processes related to universality, support, and instillation of hope. The most common reason for discontinuing was boredom/lack of fit.


CONCLUSIONS
General group-therapeutic, and not 12-step-specific, factors are most valued by youth during early stages of recovery and/or degree of AA/NA exposure. Many youth discontinue due to a perceived lack of fit, suggesting a mismatch between some youth and aspects of AA/NA.
Kelly
John F
JF
MGH Addiction Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Addiction Medicine, 60 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. jkelly11@partners.org
Myers
Mark G
MG
Rodolico
John
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000436:Alcoholics Anonymous; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012114:Residential Treatment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult