Abstract
This study examines the 12-step approach to recovery from alcohol and drug addiction using a grief and loss paradigm. The extent to which reactions to recovery-related losses mediates the relationship between participation in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and recovery outcomes was examined, as well as whether spirituality mediates the relationship between AA/NA involvement and reactions to loss. The results indicate a link between involvement in AA and NA and reactions to recovery-related losses and suggest that spirituality may play a central role in transforming losses into personal growth, enhancing chances of lasting recovery.