Allison K Labbe1, Valerie Slaymaker, John F Kelly. 1. a Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, and Harvard Medical School , Boston , Massachusetts , USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: 12-Step Facilitation (TSF) interventions designed to enhance rates of engagement with 12-step mutual-help organizations (MHOs) have shown efficacy among adults, but research provides little guidance on how to adapt TSF strategies for young people. METHODS: To inform TSF strategies for youth, this study used qualitative methods to investigate the self-reported experiences of 12-step participation, and reasons for nonattendance and discontinuation among young adults (18-24 years; N = 302). Responses to open-ended questions following residential treatment were coded into rationally derived domains. RESULTS: Young adults reported that cohesiveness, belonging, and instillation of hope were the most helpful aspects of attending 12-step groups; meeting structure and having to motivate oneself to attend meetings were the most common aspects young adults liked least; logistical barriers and low recovery motivation and interest were the most common reasons for discontinued attendance; and perceptions that one did not have a problem or needed treatment were cited most often as reasons for never attending. CONCLUSIONS: Findings may inform and enhance strategies intended to engage young people with community-based recovery-focused 12-step MHOs and ultimately improve recovery outcomes.
BACKGROUND: 12-Step Facilitation (TSF) interventions designed to enhance rates of engagement with 12-step mutual-help organizations (MHOs) have shown efficacy among adults, but research provides little guidance on how to adapt TSF strategies for young people. METHODS: To inform TSF strategies for youth, this study used qualitative methods to investigate the self-reported experiences of 12-step participation, and reasons for nonattendance and discontinuation among young adults (18-24 years; N = 302). Responses to open-ended questions following residential treatment were coded into rationally derived domains. RESULTS: Young adults reported that cohesiveness, belonging, and instillation of hope were the most helpful aspects of attending 12-step groups; meeting structure and having to motivate oneself to attend meetings were the most common aspects young adults liked least; logistical barriers and low recovery motivation and interest were the most common reasons for discontinued attendance; and perceptions that one did not have a problem or needed treatment were cited most often as reasons for never attending. CONCLUSIONS: Findings may inform and enhance strategies intended to engage young people with community-based recovery-focused 12-step MHOs and ultimately improve recovery outcomes.
Authors: Brandon G Bergman; Bettina B Hoeppner; Lindsay M Nelson; Valerie Slaymaker; John F Kelly Journal: Drug Alcohol Depend Date: 2015-05-27 Impact factor: 4.492
Authors: John F Kelly; Julie D Yeterian; Julie V Cristello; Yifrah Kaminer; Christopher W Kahler; Christine Timko Journal: Subst Abuse Date: 2016-06-13