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To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Friday, January 2, 2009

Predictors of Initial AA-Related Helping: Findings From Project MATCH.
J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2009 Jan;70(1):117-125.

The purpose of this article is to identify the factors that predict initial Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)-related helping following treatment admission.

Demographic characteristics, drinking severity, antisocial personality, and purpose in life were not associated with initial AA-related helping.

Increased self-efficacy, faith-based practices, meeting attendance, number of steps worked, having a sponsor, and length of sobriety predicted initial AA-related helping. Alcoholics reported elevated depressive symptoms before initial AA-related helping, lowered depressive symptoms at the start of AA-related helping, and similarly lowered depressive symptoms in the interval following initial AA-related helping.

The profile of prospective helpers in AA is not limited to alcoholics from certain backgrounds or higher functioning in terms of drinking or clinical severity. To increase participation in AA-related helping, and hence outcomes, results suggest strengthening self-efficacy and progress in other AA programmatic components.

Request Reprint E-Mail: maria.pagano@case.edu

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