Research has shown that increases in the size of abstinence-based social networks helps explain the association between 12-Step attendance and increased abstinence.
This study investigated whether the quality of social interaction in 12-Step groups also predicts reduced substance use. Participants reported their perceptions of engagedness, avoidance, and conflict in their 12-Step groups and their substance use in four assessments.
Results showed that perceptions of group engagedness, but not avoidance or conflict, decreased over time. Despite this, engagedness predicted increased 12-Step-related behavior and decreased alcohol use.
Findings suggest that positive group interaction plays an important role in 12-Step affiliates' recovery efforts.
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