Coping Strategies in 12-Step Recovery: More Evidence for Categorical Involvement

Abstract

The present study examined 12-step involvement categorically and its relation to coping strategies and self-efficacy for abstinence among 42 members of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous and 42 recovering addicts/alcoholics residing in democratically operated recovery homes (Oxford Houses). Participants who were categorically involved in a set of 12-step activities reported significantly lower levels of emotion-focused coping strategies and significantly higher levels of social-support coping strategies and self-efficacy for abstinence compared with those who were less involved. Twelve-step meeting attendance was not significantly related to outcomes. Findings suggest that categorical involvement in 12-step activities equips recovering alcoholics/addicts with active coping strategies for their ongoing recovery. Implications for future research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• 12-step involvement
• coping
• self-efficacy
• Oxford House
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Narcotics Anonymous

Acknowledgments

We appreciate the financial support from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (Grant DA19935) and the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (Grant MD002748).