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Journal Article

Citation

Timko C, Laudet A, Moos RH. Am. J. Drug Alcohol Abuse 2016; 42(4): 441-449.

Affiliation

a Center for Innovation to Implementation , Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System and Stanford University School of Medicine , Palo Alto , CA , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/00952990.2016.1148702

PMID

27120262

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Al-Anon Family Groups, a 12-step mutual-help program for people concerned about another person's drinking, is the most widely used form of help by Concerned Others.

OBJECTIVES: This longitudinal study examined newcomers' outcomes of attending Al-Anon. Aims were to better understand early gains from Al-Anon to inform efforts in the professional community to facilitate concerned others' attendance of and engagement in Al-Anon.

METHODS: We compared two groups of Al-Anon newcomers who completed surveys at baseline and 6 months later: those who discontinued attendance by the 6-month follow-up (N = 133), and those who were still attending Al-Anon meetings (N = 97); baseline characteristics were controlled in these comparisons.

RESULTS: Newcomers who sustained participation in Al-Anon over the first 6 months of attendance were more likely than those who discontinued participation during the same period to report gains in a variety of domains, such as learning how to handle problems due to the drinker, and increased well-being and functioning, including reduced verbal or physical abuse victimization. Newcomers to Al-Anon reported more personal gains than drinker-related gains. The most frequent drinker gain was a better relationship with the Concerned Other; attendees were more likely to report this, as well as daily, in-person contact with the drinker.

CONCLUSION: Al-Anon participation may facilitate ongoing interaction between Concerned Others and drinkers, and help Concerned Others function and feel better. Thus, short-term participation may be beneficial. Health-care professionals should consider providing referrals to Al-Anon and monitoring early attendance.


Language: en

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