Characteristics of participants in secular organizations for sobriety (SOS).

Self-help groups have assisted many in their recovery from alcohol use disorders. Although Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the largest self-help organization for addressing alcohol problems, no single organization can be suited to the needs of all alcohol abusers. For example, some alcoholics have chosen not to affiliate with AA because of objections to religious or spiritual references in the 12 steps of AA. It was largely for this reason that a secular self-help organization-Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)-was established. This article provides an overview of SOS. Also described are the results of a survey of SOS participants. These data provide a preliminary picture of SOS members and will, we hope, stimulate further research on this organization and its effectiveness.