Pathways to self-help among women for sobriety

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Addiction Studies
• Self-Help Research

Background:

• Women for Sobriety (WFS) is a self-help organization founded in 1975.
• WFS utilizes positive thinking and behavior modification for recovery.
• Approximately 125 WFS groups meet weekly in the US and Canada.

Purpose of the Study:

• To chronicle the recovery pathways of WFS members.
• To understand members' turning points for seeking help.
• To examine initial coping strategies and exposure to other treatments.

Main Methods:

• Survey data from 600 WFS members (73% response rate) collected in 1991.
• Analysis of turning points, initial coping mechanisms, and treatment referrals.
• Examination of WFS members' engagement with professional help and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

Main Results:

• Over half of WFS members sought help due to physical or emotional problems.
• 15% sought treatment after confrontation; 20% achieved sobriety fastest when life felt out of control.
• Nearly all members sought professional help; 75% had individual therapy.
• WFS members believe in controlling thoughts to manage negative emotions for sobriety.
• Current AA attendance did not correlate with length of sobriety within WFS.
• Attending AA alongside professional help post-turning point was linked to faster sobriety.

Conclusions:

• WFS members are receptive to psychological approaches to recovery.
• Physical and emotional distress are significant motivators for WFS membership.
• A combination of WFS, professional help, and AA may optimize sobriety achievement.