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Spirituality & 12 Steps
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Choosing Treatment Goals?
April 9th, 2013 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Of those who complete treatment for alcohol dependence, approximately 60% relapse within the first post treatment year. Choosing treatment goals at treatment entry is a promising, yet under-studied approach to preventing relapse. Evidence is mixed as to whether abstinence as a drinking goal at treatment entry has any influence on future alcohol use. Thus the question of whether those entering treatment should be given the choice of treatment goals remains controversial. Researchers from the University of Michigan examined who, at treatment entry, is most likely to desire abstinence as...
April 9th, 2013 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Of those who complete treatment for alcohol dependence, approximately 60% relapse within the first post treatment year. Choosing treatment goals at treatment entry is a promising, yet under-studied approach to preventing relapse. Evidence is mixed as to whether abstinence as a drinking goal at treatment entry has any influence on future alcohol use. Thus the question of whether those entering treatment should be given the choice of treatment goals remains controversial. Researchers from the University of Michigan examined who, at treatment entry, is most likely to desire abstinence as...
AA Not Just for Men Anymore
January 10th, 2013 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
In the past, the appropriateness of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for women has been questioned. Now this once-seen-as-a-male-dominated organization is one third female. Yet it remained unclear whether a program derived from success with male alcoholics would be open and effective for women. Current studies have found that women participate at least as much as men and benefit equally from AA. Still, it is uncertain whether women benefit from AA in the same or different ways than men. This study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers examined whether the mechanisms through which AA...
January 10th, 2013 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
In the past, the appropriateness of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for women has been questioned. Now this once-seen-as-a-male-dominated organization is one third female. Yet it remained unclear whether a program derived from success with male alcoholics would be open and effective for women. Current studies have found that women participate at least as much as men and benefit equally from AA. Still, it is uncertain whether women benefit from AA in the same or different ways than men. This study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers examined whether the mechanisms through which AA...
Spiritual Change Predicts Less Drinking
November 27th, 2012 / BFI Staff Publications / Betty Ford Institute
This study looked at alcohol-dependent individuals, both in treatment and not, to investigate the effect of spiritual and religious (SR) change on their drinking outcomes - independent of AA involvement. Alcoholics (N = 364, 2/3 male) were identified from two abstinence-based treatment centers, a moderation drinking program, and untreated individuals from the local community. Those from treatment settings were interviewed after 1 week but not later than 4 weeks in treatment. SR changes observed at 6 months were used to predict 9-month drinking outcomes. The specific SR changes examined...
November 27th, 2012 / BFI Staff Publications / Betty Ford Institute
This study looked at alcohol-dependent individuals, both in treatment and not, to investigate the effect of spiritual and religious (SR) change on their drinking outcomes - independent of AA involvement. Alcoholics (N = 364, 2/3 male) were identified from two abstinence-based treatment centers, a moderation drinking program, and untreated individuals from the local community. Those from treatment settings were interviewed after 1 week but not later than 4 weeks in treatment. SR changes observed at 6 months were used to predict 9-month drinking outcomes. The specific SR changes examined...
12-Step Attendance and Involvement Enhances Adolescent Recovery
September 4th, 2012 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Experimentation with alcohol and other drugs typically begins during adolescence and, for a significant number of youths, escalates into severe problems. Adolescents who misuse substances to the point where they need treatment, often are faced with costly and limited options for youth-specific care, as well as the fact of high post-treatment relapse rates. Mutual-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, are less costly and generally provide a more available ongoing network of assistance. This study examined the degree to which adolescents currently attend...
September 4th, 2012 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Experimentation with alcohol and other drugs typically begins during adolescence and, for a significant number of youths, escalates into severe problems. Adolescents who misuse substances to the point where they need treatment, often are faced with costly and limited options for youth-specific care, as well as the fact of high post-treatment relapse rates. Mutual-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, are less costly and generally provide a more available ongoing network of assistance. This study examined the degree to which adolescents currently attend...
Are 12-Step Meetings Safe for Youth?
June 19th, 2012 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Results from a number of studies have shown that participation in 12-step mutual help groups (MHG) by young people, especially those with more severe substance use problems, produces benefits at clinically meaningful levels. One such study found that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) participation during the first 3 months of treatment resulted in an increase in days abstinent both concurrently and at a 6-month follow-up. Yet, despite numerous studies showing recovery-related benefits, there are persistent anecdotal concerns about the safety of these predominantly adult...
June 19th, 2012 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Results from a number of studies have shown that participation in 12-step mutual help groups (MHG) by young people, especially those with more severe substance use problems, produces benefits at clinically meaningful levels. One such study found that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) participation during the first 3 months of treatment resulted in an increase in days abstinent both concurrently and at a 6-month follow-up. Yet, despite numerous studies showing recovery-related benefits, there are persistent anecdotal concerns about the safety of these predominantly adult...
Regular Aftercare Aids Long-term Recovery
April 23rd, 2012 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Research has shown that as much as 60% - 80% of those treated for addictive disease relapse within the first 3-4 months of treatment. The first year of recovery is known to be a frequent time of relapse. This period of vulnerability has been attributed to a lack of coping skills and inability to make healthy decisions. There is increasing evidence of a positive correlation between aftercare attendance and recovery outcomes. This Canadian study attempted to identify factors associated with greater aftercare participation. Specifically, which factors predict aftercare attendance and how...
April 23rd, 2012 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Research has shown that as much as 60% - 80% of those treated for addictive disease relapse within the first 3-4 months of treatment. The first year of recovery is known to be a frequent time of relapse. This period of vulnerability has been attributed to a lack of coping skills and inability to make healthy decisions. There is increasing evidence of a positive correlation between aftercare attendance and recovery outcomes. This Canadian study attempted to identify factors associated with greater aftercare participation. Specifically, which factors predict aftercare attendance and how...
Spirituality in Recovery
September 1st, 2011 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
A recent study at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School examined the relationships between AA, spirituality/religiousness (SR), and alcohol use, and tested whether better outcomes can be explained by spiritual changes. According to these researchers, “increasingly rigorous research conducted in the last 15 years supports the notion that AA participation is associated with better short- and long-term outcomes and may be a cost-effective treatment adjunct.” AA claims it aids recovery through “spiritual” practices and beliefs but much skepticism and...
September 1st, 2011 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
A recent study at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School examined the relationships between AA, spirituality/religiousness (SR), and alcohol use, and tested whether better outcomes can be explained by spiritual changes. According to these researchers, “increasingly rigorous research conducted in the last 15 years supports the notion that AA participation is associated with better short- and long-term outcomes and may be a cost-effective treatment adjunct.” AA claims it aids recovery through “spiritual” practices and beliefs but much skepticism and...
AA and NA for Teens
September 1st, 2011 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Only 10% of the estimated 1.4 million teens with an alcohol or drug problem are receiving treatment, compared to 20% of adults. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA) are now deemed an effective adjunct to substance abuse treatment for adults. However, little is known about the effectiveness of these programs for teens. This review article looks at teen involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA), and at studies of formal teen treatment programs that used an AA/NA model. The article also provides data on the effects of AA/NA attendance on abstinence,...
September 1st, 2011 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Only 10% of the estimated 1.4 million teens with an alcohol or drug problem are receiving treatment, compared to 20% of adults. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA) are now deemed an effective adjunct to substance abuse treatment for adults. However, little is known about the effectiveness of these programs for teens. This review article looks at teen involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA), and at studies of formal teen treatment programs that used an AA/NA model. The article also provides data on the effects of AA/NA attendance on abstinence,...
Treatments That Do Not Work
May 6th, 2011 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
In recent years there has been an international effort in the addictions field to identify treatments and therapies that have been proven to work. However, evidence-based practices have rarely identified practices that don’t work. This two-stage study involved a panel of 75 experts who examined a list of 65 treatments currently practiced in addiction medicine. They rated them on a continuum from “not at all discredited” to “certainly discredited.” A Delphi methodology was used to achieve a professional consensus on discredited treatments. (Delphi employs structured group...
May 6th, 2011 / Education / Betty Ford Institute
In recent years there has been an international effort in the addictions field to identify treatments and therapies that have been proven to work. However, evidence-based practices have rarely identified practices that don’t work. This two-stage study involved a panel of 75 experts who examined a list of 65 treatments currently practiced in addiction medicine. They rated them on a continuum from “not at all discredited” to “certainly discredited.” A Delphi methodology was used to achieve a professional consensus on discredited treatments. (Delphi employs structured group...
Science Looks at Spirituality in Recovery
February 4th, 2011 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has grown from an initial membership of less than 100 in the mid 1930’s to more than 1.2 million members meeting in 55,000 meetings in the US alone. Evidence supports the fact that AA can play a valuable role in recovery from alcoholism. Rigorous research over the last 15 years shows also that AA is a cost effective treatment adjunct. A recent study from the Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School hypothesized that AA attendance is associated with positive alcohol use outcomes as well as enhanced...
February 4th, 2011 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has grown from an initial membership of less than 100 in the mid 1930’s to more than 1.2 million members meeting in 55,000 meetings in the US alone. Evidence supports the fact that AA can play a valuable role in recovery from alcoholism. Rigorous research over the last 15 years shows also that AA is a cost effective treatment adjunct. A recent study from the Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School hypothesized that AA attendance is associated with positive alcohol use outcomes as well as enhanced...
Are AA Sponsors Beneficial?
November 11th, 2010 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
Treatment for addictions based on the Twelve Step teachings and traditional practices of Alcoholics Anonymous is the prevalent clinical model in the U.S. A primary objective of this model is to connect the recovering person to a community-based AA affiliation. Several studies have shown the beneficial relationship between AA attendance and increased abstinence. Other studies have shown the positive relationship between the social support of AA and substance use reductions. Encouragement to acquire an AA sponsor is common practice and is seen as an important means of increasing the...
November 11th, 2010 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
Treatment for addictions based on the Twelve Step teachings and traditional practices of Alcoholics Anonymous is the prevalent clinical model in the U.S. A primary objective of this model is to connect the recovering person to a community-based AA affiliation. Several studies have shown the beneficial relationship between AA attendance and increased abstinence. Other studies have shown the positive relationship between the social support of AA and substance use reductions. Encouragement to acquire an AA sponsor is common practice and is seen as an important means of increasing the...
Treatment Center Culture Influences Adoption of Naltrexone
April 30th, 2008 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the success of pharmacotherapies for alcohol and drug disorders a significant number of treatment providers and programs have been slow to adopt these new medications. This study examined how the structural variations of private treatment centers may affect their adoption of naltrexone (Revia) – an opiate antagonist used in the treatment of both opiate and alcohol dependence. Researchers analyzed information gathered on 165 private Substance Abuse (SA)treatment centers by the National Treatment Center Study, which currently contains four waves of data collected between 1994 and...
April 30th, 2008 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Despite the success of pharmacotherapies for alcohol and drug disorders a significant number of treatment providers and programs have been slow to adopt these new medications. This study examined how the structural variations of private treatment centers may affect their adoption of naltrexone (Revia) – an opiate antagonist used in the treatment of both opiate and alcohol dependence. Researchers analyzed information gathered on 165 private Substance Abuse (SA)treatment centers by the National Treatment Center Study, which currently contains four waves of data collected between 1994 and...
Spiritual Awakening Aids Recovery
January 31st, 2008 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
New evidence suggests that spiritual orientation may play a role in recovery. Previous studies offer evidence that spirituality increases after recovery, that greater spirituality is associated with longer recovery, and that those who reported a spiritual awakening during participation in a 12-Step program were much more likely to report total abstinence after 3 years than were those who never experienced a spiritual awakening. Researchers sought to more precisely determine the role of spiritual change in patients in recovery by examining the relationship between 12-Step involvement,...
January 31st, 2008 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
New evidence suggests that spiritual orientation may play a role in recovery. Previous studies offer evidence that spirituality increases after recovery, that greater spirituality is associated with longer recovery, and that those who reported a spiritual awakening during participation in a 12-Step program were much more likely to report total abstinence after 3 years than were those who never experienced a spiritual awakening. Researchers sought to more precisely determine the role of spiritual change in patients in recovery by examining the relationship between 12-Step involvement,...
Intensive 12 Step Referrals Enhance Recovery
January 31st, 2008 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Participation in 12-Step self-help groups has been shown to both reduce post-treatment relapse and the need to repeat treatment. A recent VA study compared two different kinds of 12-Step referral: standard and intensive. For standard referral, patients received a schedule for local 12-Step meetings and were encouraged to attend. For intensive referral, counselors linked patients with 12-Step volunteers and encouraged the use of journals to record 12-Step meeting attendance. Study participants (n=345) – patients in a 28-day treatment program – were randomly assigned to one or the other...
January 31st, 2008 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Participation in 12-Step self-help groups has been shown to both reduce post-treatment relapse and the need to repeat treatment. A recent VA study compared two different kinds of 12-Step referral: standard and intensive. For standard referral, patients received a schedule for local 12-Step meetings and were encouraged to attend. For intensive referral, counselors linked patients with 12-Step volunteers and encouraged the use of journals to record 12-Step meeting attendance. Study participants (n=345) – patients in a 28-day treatment program – were randomly assigned to one or the other...
12 Steps Work for the Dually Diagnosed
October 31st, 2007 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
The term “dually diagnosed” refers to patients with drug problems and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Although previous research has shown that dually diagnosed individuals attend and benefit from 12-Step programs, the specifics of what may work or not work remains unclear. Existing data suggest that nonspecific change mechanisms (self-efficacy, social support) are similar to those described in general AA literature. This report is based on a review of 83 publications that addressed 12-Step programs serving patients with both addictions and psychiatric disorders. The review shows...
October 31st, 2007 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
The term “dually diagnosed” refers to patients with drug problems and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Although previous research has shown that dually diagnosed individuals attend and benefit from 12-Step programs, the specifics of what may work or not work remains unclear. Existing data suggest that nonspecific change mechanisms (self-efficacy, social support) are similar to those described in general AA literature. This report is based on a review of 83 publications that addressed 12-Step programs serving patients with both addictions and psychiatric disorders. The review shows...
Recovery and Spirituality Linked
August 31st, 2007 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Many people believe that spirituality and/or religiousness (S/R) are important, if not crucial, components of successful recovery from alcohol dependence. This study attempted to quantify changes in S/R, and to see if those changes may have contributed to recovery. Researchers collected longitudinal survey information from 123 outpatients (81 males, 42 females) with alcohol-use disorders at treatment entry and then again six months later. Study participants were asked about 10 measures of S/R, as well as their drinking habits. Results indicate that half of the S/R variables changed...
August 31st, 2007 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Many people believe that spirituality and/or religiousness (S/R) are important, if not crucial, components of successful recovery from alcohol dependence. This study attempted to quantify changes in S/R, and to see if those changes may have contributed to recovery. Researchers collected longitudinal survey information from 123 outpatients (81 males, 42 females) with alcohol-use disorders at treatment entry and then again six months later. Study participants were asked about 10 measures of S/R, as well as their drinking habits. Results indicate that half of the S/R variables changed...
Like It or Not, Spirituality Actually Aids Recovery!
October 31st, 2006 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Surveys indicate that 8% of American drinkers eventually become alcohol-dependent. Treatment providers endeavor to match those who seek treatment with the program most appropriate for their needs. There are two basic models of treatment programs: one is spiritually based such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and the other is a more clinical model without a spiritual component. Past research has shown that spirituality facilitates recovery from alcoholism. Positive outcomes have been reported for AA attendance, length of sobriety, and a general sense of purpose in life. However, some...
October 31st, 2006 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Surveys indicate that 8% of American drinkers eventually become alcohol-dependent. Treatment providers endeavor to match those who seek treatment with the program most appropriate for their needs. There are two basic models of treatment programs: one is spiritually based such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and the other is a more clinical model without a spiritual component. Past research has shown that spirituality facilitates recovery from alcoholism. Positive outcomes have been reported for AA attendance, length of sobriety, and a general sense of purpose in life. However, some...
It Helps to Get Help
August 31st, 2006 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Most clinical studies examine individuals either during or immediately following formal treatment. However, individuals who are willing to acknowledge their alcohol-use problems actually choose self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), and/or treatment, or sometimes nothing at all. This study tracks individuals for 16 years who chose one of these three options, comparing their success rates and/or life changes. Researchers surveyed 461 individuals (232 females, 229 males) who had initial contact with an alcoholism treatment system for their alcohol-use disorder. Study...
August 31st, 2006 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Most clinical studies examine individuals either during or immediately following formal treatment. However, individuals who are willing to acknowledge their alcohol-use problems actually choose self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), and/or treatment, or sometimes nothing at all. This study tracks individuals for 16 years who chose one of these three options, comparing their success rates and/or life changes. Researchers surveyed 461 individuals (232 females, 229 males) who had initial contact with an alcoholism treatment system for their alcohol-use disorder. Study...
AA Meeting Attendance Promotes Abstinence
April 30th, 2006 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the most widely used resource for alcohol problems and alcoholism, but little is known about patterns of AA involvement over time and how this relates to abstinence. In a recent study, researchers recruited 349 dependent drinkers when they entered treatment. Patients who reported that they had attended AA were re-interviewed one, three, and five years later. The researchers found four classes of AA “careers” over five years low, medium, high, and declining. The low AA attended only a handful of meetings during the 12 months following treatment. The medium...
April 30th, 2006 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the most widely used resource for alcohol problems and alcoholism, but little is known about patterns of AA involvement over time and how this relates to abstinence. In a recent study, researchers recruited 349 dependent drinkers when they entered treatment. Patients who reported that they had attended AA were re-interviewed one, three, and five years later. The researchers found four classes of AA “careers” over five years low, medium, high, and declining. The low AA attended only a handful of meetings during the 12 months following treatment. The medium...
Best Recovery Team: AA and Treatment Together
January 31st, 2006 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Given the complex and highly individualized nature of alcohol dependence, there does not appear to be one “right” treatment for alcoholism. Some people choose Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and some undergo professional treatment. A new study has found that people who become involved in both AA and treatment fare better than those who obtain only treatment. Researchers surveyed 362 individuals (193 females, 169 males) who had initial contact with an alcoholism treatment system for their alcohol-use disorder. Study participants were surveyed at baseline (initial contact) and then again at...
January 31st, 2006 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
Given the complex and highly individualized nature of alcohol dependence, there does not appear to be one “right” treatment for alcoholism. Some people choose Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and some undergo professional treatment. A new study has found that people who become involved in both AA and treatment fare better than those who obtain only treatment. Researchers surveyed 362 individuals (193 females, 169 males) who had initial contact with an alcoholism treatment system for their alcohol-use disorder. Study participants were surveyed at baseline (initial contact) and then again at...
AA Folklore Confirmed
April 30th, 2005 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
A recent Brown University Medical School study confirmed the long-held belief that recovering alcoholics who help other alcoholics are better able to stay sober themselves. Alcoholics Anonymous is the largest mutual help organization for alcoholics in the world. Yet little research has been done on its specific mechanisms that enable behavior change. This study, involving 1726 patients, showed that those who were sponsoring others or otherwise doing 12 Step work were more successful at not taking the first drink during the year following treatment. The researchers found no demographic...
April 30th, 2005 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
A recent Brown University Medical School study confirmed the long-held belief that recovering alcoholics who help other alcoholics are better able to stay sober themselves. Alcoholics Anonymous is the largest mutual help organization for alcoholics in the world. Yet little research has been done on its specific mechanisms that enable behavior change. This study, involving 1726 patients, showed that those who were sponsoring others or otherwise doing 12 Step work were more successful at not taking the first drink during the year following treatment. The researchers found no demographic...
Treatment Outcomes for Women are Better than for Men
January 31st, 2005 / Spirituality & 12 Steps / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol and drug dependence treatment outcomes of older alcoholics, particularly women, have been largely ignored. This study examined clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes among older alcoholics in a mixed-age, private outpatient, chemical dependency program. Researchers examined 92 patients, 55 to 77 years of age (63 males, 29 females) for their demographic characteristics, alcohol and drug use/dependence, drinking history, health status, psychiatric symptoms, length of stay in treatment, use of Alcoholics Anonymous, and six-month treatment outcomes. The women reported...
January 31st, 2005 / Spirituality & 12 Steps / Betty Ford Institute
Alcohol and drug dependence treatment outcomes of older alcoholics, particularly women, have been largely ignored. This study examined clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes among older alcoholics in a mixed-age, private outpatient, chemical dependency program. Researchers examined 92 patients, 55 to 77 years of age (63 males, 29 females) for their demographic characteristics, alcohol and drug use/dependence, drinking history, health status, psychiatric symptoms, length of stay in treatment, use of Alcoholics Anonymous, and six-month treatment outcomes. The women reported...
Affirmation for Intense Treatment Plus 12 Steps
August 31st, 2004 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Dual diagnosis patients (those with both substance abuse and psychiatric problems) often require intensive treatment. This study looked at the value of less intensive, more informal services such as self-help programs to supplement acute care. To compare treatment outcomes of dual diagnosis patients admitted to both high-intensity and low-intensity care programs and the efficacy of self-help group attendance, researchers evaluated 230 patients admitted to 14 different residential treatment programs located throughout the U.S. Seven of these programs were affiliated with the Department of...
August 31st, 2004 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Dual diagnosis patients (those with both substance abuse and psychiatric problems) often require intensive treatment. This study looked at the value of less intensive, more informal services such as self-help programs to supplement acute care. To compare treatment outcomes of dual diagnosis patients admitted to both high-intensity and low-intensity care programs and the efficacy of self-help group attendance, researchers evaluated 230 patients admitted to 14 different residential treatment programs located throughout the U.S. Seven of these programs were affiliated with the Department of...
Evidence Demonstrates Higher Power Power
April 30th, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
An area of increasing interest among researchers is the association between religious beliefs and practices (religiosity) and mental and physical health. Religiosity, however, is a multidimensional construct, and therefore difficult to measure. In a study involving male and female twins in Virginia, researchers sought to categorize major dimensions of religiosity, and determine the association between these dimensions and risks for common psychiatric and substance abuse disorders, namely: depression, anxiety disorder, phobia, panic disorder, bulimia nervosa, nicotine dependence, alcohol...
April 30th, 2004 / Science & Research / Betty Ford Institute
An area of increasing interest among researchers is the association between religious beliefs and practices (religiosity) and mental and physical health. Religiosity, however, is a multidimensional construct, and therefore difficult to measure. In a study involving male and female twins in Virginia, researchers sought to categorize major dimensions of religiosity, and determine the association between these dimensions and risks for common psychiatric and substance abuse disorders, namely: depression, anxiety disorder, phobia, panic disorder, bulimia nervosa, nicotine dependence, alcohol...
I Say There Old Chap … AA Works Over Here Too!
January 31st, 2004 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
The benefits of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) participation in the recovery from alcoholism has long been documented, and is indeed the most sought form of help in the United States. Studies have shown that frequent AA attendance is highly effective in reducing consumption. Although it is estimated that there are two million AA members world-wide, there has been little research on the effectiveness of AA attendance in other countries. In the first study of its kind in the UK, British researchers investigated the role of AA in conjunction with a National Health Service (NHS) inpatient alcoholism...
January 31st, 2004 / Recovery / Betty Ford Institute
The benefits of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) participation in the recovery from alcoholism has long been documented, and is indeed the most sought form of help in the United States. Studies have shown that frequent AA attendance is highly effective in reducing consumption. Although it is estimated that there are two million AA members world-wide, there has been little research on the effectiveness of AA attendance in other countries. In the first study of its kind in the UK, British researchers investigated the role of AA in conjunction with a National Health Service (NHS) inpatient alcoholism...
Rx: Keep Going to Meetings
April 30th, 2003 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Despite advances in treatment options, only a minority of individuals with substance abuse disorders (SUDs) are able to remain alcohol-free after intensive treatment. Three factors are somewhat reliable predictors of ability to maintain sobriety: absence of “dual diagnosis” status (a coexisting SUD and psychiatric disorder); pursuing continuing care (outpatient SUD or psychiatric treatment after discharge from intensive SUD treatment); and receiving “mutual help” (participation in mutual aid groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous). This study examines if these three factors can predict...
April 30th, 2003 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Despite advances in treatment options, only a minority of individuals with substance abuse disorders (SUDs) are able to remain alcohol-free after intensive treatment. Three factors are somewhat reliable predictors of ability to maintain sobriety: absence of “dual diagnosis” status (a coexisting SUD and psychiatric disorder); pursuing continuing care (outpatient SUD or psychiatric treatment after discharge from intensive SUD treatment); and receiving “mutual help” (participation in mutual aid groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous). This study examines if these three factors can predict...
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