Alcoholics anonymous is a fellowship of people: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT

This New York City-based qualitative study rooted in minority stress and grounded theories explores the experiences of 11 transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) adults in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Three themes emerged in the study: (1) AA as a foundation for sobriety and gender transition; (2) experiences with gender minority-based stigma in AA; and (3) use of adaptive strategies to negotiate survival in AA. This paper concludes with recommendations for AA members, substance abuse treatment professionals, social workers, and other healthcare providers to enhance TGNC experiences within substance abuse treatment and recovery communities.

KEYWORDS:

• Alcoholics anonymous
• gender nonconforming
• LGBTQ
• substance use disorder
• substance abuse treatment
• transgender