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Published on: January 7, 2019
Spirituality and alcoholics anonymous
1Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions (CASAA) and the Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA. jtonigan@unm.edu
Southern Medical Journal
|April 27, 2007
Summary
Spirituality influences Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) attendance and recovery indirectly. While not directly causing abstinence, increased spirituality aids sustained AA affiliation and drinking reduction.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Addiction Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Alcoholism severity is a predictor of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) attendance.
- Atheists are less likely to attend AA compared to those with spiritual or religious beliefs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the role of spirituality in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
- To understand the relationship between spirituality, attendance, and recovery outcomes in AA.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of factors predicting AA attendance and benefits.
- Assessment of changes in spiritual beliefs and practices among AA attendees.
- Investigation of the indirect effects of spirituality on drinking reduction and sustained recovery.
Main Results:
- Alcoholism severity predicts AA attendance; atheists face no disadvantage once involved.
- AA principles are generally endorsed across different meeting dynamics.
- Spirituality increases among individuals exposed to AA, indirectly predicting reduced drinking.
- Interventions boosting spirituality can enhance AA affiliation and long-term recovery.
Conclusions:
- Spirituality plays an indirect but significant role in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) outcomes.
- Increased spirituality facilitates sustained AA affiliation, leading to long-term recovery.
- Effective interventions can leverage spirituality to improve AA attendance and reduce dropout rates.
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