Alcoholics Anonymous Benefit and Social Attachment

Abstract

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is helpful to many problem drinkers, and AA referral by treatment providers is common. Surprisingly little is known, however, about why the practice of the AA program leads to abstinence. This study conducted a cross-sectional survey (N = 158) that asked people attending AA about their current and pre-AA interpersonal attachment styles. As predicted, AA participation was associated with increased secure attachments and significant reductions in avoidant and anxious attachment styles. Findings are interpreted within the context of AA's emphasis on the development of relationships to achieve sobriety, both with other AA members and a Higher Power.

KEYWORDS:

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• attachment
• social
• relationships

Notes

This research was supported, in part, by grant K02-AA00326-06 from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the NIAAA.