Sunday, July 29, 2007

Data Brief - National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey (NLAES) Findings on Alcoholics Anonymous Membership

Estimated Alcoholics Anonymous Membership 1991-1992
  • New members during past year - 0.9 million
  • On-going members - 1.5 million
  • Total membership - 2.4 million

Continuation Rate in Alcoholics Anonymous

In 1991-1992 4.8 million respondents reported ever attending an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting, for reasons related to their drinking, prior to the last 12 months.
  • 31% reported continued AA attendance during the last 12 months

Rate of continued AA attendance was associated with years since first AA meeting
  • 1-4 years since first AA meeting - 36% remained
  • 5-9 years since first AA meeting - 30% remained
  • 10-19 years since first AA meeting - 29% remained
  • 20 years or more since first AA meeting - 32% remained

Comparison of Past Year Drinking Status - Dropouts and Continuing AA Members

Dropouts:
  • Abstinent 33%
  • Low risk drinking 14%
  • High risk drinking 53%

Continued AA attendance:
  • Abstinent 62%
  • Low risk drinking 9%
  • High risk drinking 29%

low risk drinking = never exceed 4 drinks per day(male) or 3 drinks per day (female)
high risk drinking = exceeds 4 drinks per day (male) or 3 drinks per day (female)

Data Source:
NIAAA 1991-1992 National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey (NLAES)

Data Brief Submitter: Loran Archer

E-Mail: loranarcher@gmail.com
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