Coparticipation in 12-Step Mutual Aid Groups and Methadone Maintenance Treatment: A Survey of 322 Patients

Abstract

In spite of more than four decades of scientific research confirming the efficacy and effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) as a treatment for chronic opioid addiction, patients who have undergone MMT have faced considerable public and professional stigma and unique obstacles to participation in mainstream addiction recovery mutual aid groups. This study reports the levels of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and/or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) participation among 322 patients enrolled in MMT in an urban community in the Northeastern United States. Survey results reveal high rates of past-year NA/AA participation (66%), high rates of self-reported helpfulness of AA and NA (72%–77%), but much lower rates of participation in key 12-step program ingredients: having a home group (50%), having a sponsor (26%), sponsoring others (13%), attending 12-step social events (23%), and active step work (21%). One-quarter (25%) of NA/AA-involved patients reported a negative experience within NA or AA related to their MMT patient status. Only 34% of patient NA/AA members disclosed their MMT status to their sponsors and at meetings.

KEYWORDS:

• methadone maintenance treatment
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Methadone Anonymous
• medication-assisted treatment
• medication-assisted recovery
• recovery mutual aid