title: Obstacles to 12-step group participation as seen by addiction professionals: comparing Norway to the United States.
abstract: Twelve-step groups (TSGs) are a valuable recovery resource for substance-dependent individuals. However, some aspects of these fellowships are controversial and may limit clinician referrals. This study describes attitude- and knowledge-based barriers to TSG participation as seen by addiction professionals in Norway, a treatment culture in which less than 5% of programs use the 12-step philosophy, and compares the findings with those of a similar study in the United States. Data were collected in Norway in mid-2008 using a self-administered questionnaire, and the U.S. sample was obtained from historical data. The Norwegian professionals (n = 291) considered the religious aspects of TSGs a considerable obstacle to participation, whereas the U.S. providers (n = 100) did not. Treatment providers unfamiliar with the 12-step philosophy need to be better informed of TSGs' "higher power" concept to educate patients and maximize the utilization of TSGs.
authors.affiliation: Addiction Unit, Sørlandet Hospital HF, Kristiansand, Norway. john-kare.vederhus@sshf.no
authors.forename: John-Kåre
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Vederhus
authors.forename: Alexandre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Laudet
authors.forename: Oistein
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kristensen
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Clausen
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009664:Norway; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States