Journal Facts

Journal
International Journal of Self-Help and Self-Care
ISSN
1091-2851 (print) 1541-4450 (electronic)
Volume
4
Issue
3
Date
1/1/2005

Article Facts

Title
The Effects of Twelve-Step Participation on Social Support: A Longitudinal Investigation within a Recovery Home Sample
DOI
10.2190/SH.4.3.e
Authors
  • David Groh
  • Leonard Jason
  • Joseph Ferrari
  • Jane Halpert
Pages
239-255
Online Date
05/22/2009

Article Links

The Effects of Twelve-Step Participation on Social Support: A Longitudinal Investigation within a Recovery Home Sample

David Groh
Leonard Jason
Joseph Ferrari
Jane Halpert

DOI: 10.2190/SH.4.3.e

Abstract

Mutual-aid/12-step involvement has been found to relate to numerous positive facets of social support. However, this present investigation is the first known study to longitudinally assess the influence of 12-step involvement on social support within a U.S. Oxford House recovery home sample (N = 897). As predicted, AA/NA attendance predicted social networks containing more general social support over a 1 year period, and it is recommended that individuals in recovery lacking positive social support might turn to 12-step groups to develop these necessary forms of support. However, 12-step participation failed to predict network drinking behaviors or support for drinking. Although counterintuitive, it is possible that 12-step groups impact general support more than recovery-specific types of support. It is true that more of AA's 12 steps deal with mending relationships than alcohol use.

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