Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Psychological Mechanisms by which Spirituality Aids Recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous

Abstract

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is based on a spiritual program of action. In keeping with AA's spiritually based recovery theory, rigorous studies have revealed that spirituality may be one of the mechanisms through which AA aids recovery. A question that has lingered, however, is how exactly does an increase in spiritual beliefs and practices translate into more abstinence and remission? To help answer this question, this article reviews theory and research related to AA and spirituality as a mechanism of behavior change and offers five possible psychological pathways that may help explain how increases in spirituality may translate into enhanced abstinence and remission rates.

KEYWORDS:

• Spirituality
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• mutual help