History of physical or sexual abuse and participation in 12-step self-help groups

Although 12-step groups are an important resource for managing substance use problems, their efficacy for patients with a physical or sexual abuse history is unknown.

In the present study, patients with a history of physical or sexual (n = 122) or no (n = 143) abuse were interviewed at entry to outpatient substance use treatment at the Veterans Administration.

After adjusting for baseline substance use, physical or sexual abuse was associated with more attendance at and involvement in 12-step groups. Participation in 12-step groups predicted abstinence at one year, regardless of abuse history.

Limitations and implications are discussed.