New research on addiction mutual-support groups

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Sep 29 2012

Mutual-help groups for addiction have proliferated, diversified, and adapted to emerging substance-related trends over the past 75 years. A new special, triple issue of the Journal of Groups in Addiction & Recovery - Broadening the Base of Addiction Mutual Support: Bringing Theory and Science to Contemporary Trends - reviews the history of mutual-support groups for addiction that have arisen as adjuncts or alternatives to Twelve Step Programs.

Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey D. Roth, MD, with Guest Editors William L. White, MA, and John F. Kelly, PhD, bring together research on new recovery groups arising in the form of institutions, ministries, community centers, special interest clubs, arts organizations, family groups, and more. Articles examine both secular groups, such as Secular Organization for Sobriety, Smart Recovery, and Women for Sobriety, and faith-based groups like Celebrate Recovery. Contributions come from leading researchers and practitioners in the field, including Walter Ginter, winner of the 2012 Vernon Johnson Award, presented by Faces & Voices of Recovery.

"All of these mutual support groups, having been developed more recently than Alcoholics Anonymous, have not been studied as systematically; this special issue offers the potential to stimulate research on these groups, which would likely benefit from the experience, strength, and hope of the foundation that has been created by research Twelve Step Programs," the Editors state. "Collectively, these trends reflect the cultural and political awakening of people in recovery, and growing recognition and celebration of multiple pathways of long-term addiction recovery."

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http://www.tandfonline.com/wgar

Posted in: Medical Research News | Medical Condition News

Tags: Addiction, Methadone, Research

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Support Groups

Badger says:

October 29, 2012 at 4:01 PM

I'm not that familiar with all of the different support groups out there except AA, NA, OA, ACA, etc. and Rational Recovery. I am a member of AA and have found that it fits just about any foot that is willing to honestly give it a try. I hear that not all shoes fit the same foot in relationto AA; I however do not look at AA as a one sized shoe. I see it more as a shoe that fits many sized feet. I believe that most people will find something wrong with just about anything, if they don't want it to fit to begin with. If they can find something that works for them just as well, I'm happy for them and hopes it continues to work for them as long as AA has for me and countless others. I'm not a Big Book thumper. I see it as a text book of suggestions, not absolutes; which is why I believe that it will continue to be around long after many others have come and gone. I can see where it can be an issue for many. But I also believe that it is the principles and concepts more so than the verbage that makes it a simple program if one is willing to put aside their rigid thinking. We don't talk today the way they did when it was written, but the principles and concepts still fit as suggestions to a sober body, mind and spirit, regardless of gender, faith or beliefs. If something comes along that is just as good I'm all for it. The more people that are getting well and staying that way the better we all are. I will continue to look at the other new programs with an open mind. I know what is working for me and am satisfied with it.

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