Young people’s experiences of 12 step groups

~ Jason Schwartz

Students on Campus 6DJ Mac highlights a recent study of 302 18-24 year olds entering residential treatment and their opinions of 12 step groups. The study also included follow-up at 3, 6 and 9 months.

He pulls a few quotes from the paper and one, in particular, leapt out to me.

Clinicians can highlight that 12-step specific content was rarely cited as a reason for discontinuing 12-step attendance among young adults.

He also summarized their findings:

What was most helpful?
  • Removing a sense of isolation
  • Validating experiences
  • A sense of belonging, acceptance and validation
  • Installation of hope (being inspired/encouraged by another member who has a similar problem).
  • Altruism (members help and support each other).

12-step specific responses were rare leading the authors to conclude that ‘general group therapy factors were more important to these young adults in early recovery/post-treatment.’

What did they like least?
  • Meeting structure (length, repetition)
  • Having to motivate oneself to get there

Interestingly, less than 1% of young people found meetings unhelpful.

Why did they stop going?
  • Logistical barriers (e.g. lack of transport)
  • Low recovery motivation and interest
Why did some never attend?
  • Didn’t need treatment
  • Don’t have a problem

Published by Jason Schwartz

I have been an addiction professional and social worker since 1994. I started blogging in 2005 as the Clinical Director at Dawn Farm. I no longer work at Dawn Farm and am now the Director of Behavioral Medicine at a community hospital, and a lecturer at Eastern Michigan University’s School of Social Work. Views expressed here are my own. Keep in mind that the field, the contexts in which the field operates, and my views have changed over time.

One thought on “Young people’s experiences of 12 step groups”

  1. Doesn’t motivation to attened generally increase when they start developing personal friendships/relationships in the meetings. I would think that it would.
    Participation, as in the ability to be useful to other people should increase their desire to come. Most people like to help other people.
    I would think motivation to attend the meetings would become easier and easier with each passing meeting.

    Maybe I am thinking of the maintenance phase. Newbies go to meetings daily and sometimes more. Yeah, that would suck. I get it now.

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