Predictors of 12-Step Group Preference Among Low-Income Treatment Participants with Alcohol Problems

Abstract

Many persons who seek treatment for alcohol problems also report problems with illicit drugs. The high co-occurrence of these problems has implications for service delivery, including making referrals to 12-step groups. This study examined 12-step group preference in relation to demographic, psychological, or substance-related variables among low-income persons who identified alcohol as their drug of choice on admission to a substance abuse treatment program. Results indicated that African-Americans and respondents with both an alcohol and illicit drug problem did not prefer Alcoholics Anonymous over Narcotics Anonymous. These findings can guide clinicians in making referrals to 12-step groups.

Key Words:

• 12-step groups
• race differences
• drug of choice