Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

The Motivation for Alcohol Reward: Predictors of Progressive-Ratio Intravenous Alcohol Self-Administration in Humans
Published on: April 28, 2022
What do adolescents exposed to Alcoholics Anonymous think about 12-step groups?
John F Kelly1, Mark G Myers, John Rodolico
1MGH Addiction Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Addiction Medicine, 60 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. jkelly11@partners.org
Objectives:
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.
Method:
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.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Self-Help Support Groups
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
Group Therapy
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence
Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other

