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Toward enhancing 12-step facilitation among young people: a systematic qualitative investigation of young adults'
Allison K Labbe1, Valerie Slaymaker, John F Kelly
1a Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, and Harvard Medical School , Boston , Massachusetts , USA.
Background:
12-Step Facilitation (TSF) interventions designed to enhance rates of engagement with 12-step mutual-help organizations (MHOs) have shown efficacy among adults, but research provides little guidance on how to adapt TSF strategies for young people.
Methods:
To inform TSF strategies for youth, this study used qualitative methods to investigate the self-reported experiences of 12-step participation, and reasons for nonattendance and discontinuation among young adults (18-24 years; N = 302). Responses to open-ended questions following residential treatment were coded into rationally derived domains.
Results:
Young adults reported that cohesiveness, belonging, and instillation of hope were the most helpful aspects of attending 12-step groups; meeting structure and having to motivate oneself to attend meetings were the most common aspects young adults liked least; logistical barriers and low recovery motivation and interest were the most common reasons for discontinued attendance; and perceptions that one did not have a problem or needed treatment were cited most often as reasons for never attending.
Conclusions:
Findings may inform and enhance strategies intended to engage young people with community-based recovery-focused 12-step MHOs and ultimately improve recovery outcomes.
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