Assessing why substance use disorder patients drop out from or refuse to attend 12-step mutual-help groups: The “REASONS” questionnaire

Abstract

Substance use disorder (SUD) patients who become involved in 12-step mutual-help groups (MHGs), such as Alcoholics Anonymous, experience better outcomes and have reduced healthcare costs. In spite of this, many do not attend at all and other initial attendees drop out. Reasons for non-attendance and dropout have not been systematically studied, yet such knowledge could enhance the efficiency of twelve-step facilitation (TSF) efforts or help clinicians decide which patients might prefer non-12-step MHGs (e.g., SMART Recovery). This study developed and tested a measure of reasons for non-participation and dropout from 12-step MHGs. Items were generated and clustered into eight domains using a rational keying approach. Male veterans (N = 60; M age = 49; 41% African American) undergoing SUD treatment were asked to complete a brief assessment about prior MHG experiences. Psychometric analyses produced a 24-item measure containing seven internally consistent, face-valid, subscales. Co-morbid psychiatric issues and, to a lesser degree, spiritual concerns, were found to be particularly important dimensions relating to this phenomenon. The measure could serve as a useful screening tool for barriers to 12-step participation and subsequently focus TSF efforts or inform referral to non-12 step MHGs.

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• self-help
• groups
• mutual-help
• addiction
• substance abuse

Acknowledgment

This study was funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Health Services Research and Development Department.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.