Mutual-Aid Essential for Recovery

Mutual-aid support groups play a vital role in substance abuse treatment. In 2005, a national survey of participants in mutual-aid support groups for addiction was conducted to identify key differences between participants in various recovery groups. Extensive data was collected from survey respondents on many aspects of recovery. In their recently published article, researchers focus on the impact of survey respondents’ level of spirituality on their recovery and their participation in mutual-aid support groups. Key findings include: Active involvement in groups significantly improves the chances of remaining clean and sober, regardless of the group (Save Our Souls, SMART, Women For Sobriety, and 12-step such as Alcoholics Anonymous) in which one participates. Respondents whose individual beliefs better matched those of their primary support groups showed greater levels of group participation, resulting in better outcomes as measured by increased number of days clean and sober. Spiritual respondents were more likely to actively participate in 12-Step groups and Women For Sobriety, both of which have spiritual components in their programs. Non-religious respondents were significantly less likely to participate in 12-Step groups. Respondents with low levels of spirituality were more likely to actively participate in groups with secular programs, such as Save Our Souls and SMART Recovery. These results have important implications for treatment planning and implementation, ...
Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com - Category: Addiction Authors: Tags: Addictions Alcohol Alcoholics Anonymous Alcoholics Victorious Alcoholism Higher Power Men SMART Recovery Sobriety Spirituality Women clean and sober Mutual-aid support Non-religious Spiritual respondents Women For Sobriety Source Type: blogs