Why Extensive Participation in Treatment and Twelve-Step Programs Is Associated with the Cessation of Addictive Behaviors

Abstract

Applying the Addicted-Self Model of recovery to explain why extensive participation in recovery activities predicts abstinence, it was hypothesized that high levels of participation in treatment and Twelvestep programs promote abstinence because these activities reinforce the notion that controlled use is not possible for dependent alcohol and drug users. Findings from a prospective treatment outcomes study (n = 356) indicate general support for this hypothesis. Yet the cognitive transformation described by the Addicted-Self Model involving acknowledgement of loss of control over alcohol and other drugs is only a partial explanation of why extensive participation in recovery activities promotes recovery. Reiterating the conclusion that “more is better,” frequent counseling participation, treatment completion, and weekly or more frequent participation in Twelve-Step programs promote abstinence independently from their influence on controlled use self-efficacy. Theoretical and clinical implications, and directions for future research are discussed.

Key Words:

• Addicted-self model of addictive behavior cessation
• treatment retention
• effectiveness
• counseling frequency
• Twelvestep group participation
• AA
• alcohol and drug dependence
• alcohol and drug recovery and relapse