A review of Alcoholics Anonymous/ Narcotics Anonymous programs for teens

Eval Health Prof. 2010 Mar;33(1):26-55. doi: 10.1177/0163278709356186.

Abstract

The investigation of the applicability of Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA) for teens has only been a subject of empirical research investigation since the early 1990s. In the present review, the author describes teen involvement in AA/NA programming, provides an exhaustive review of the outcomes of 19 studies that used an AA/NA model as part of their formal teen substance abuse treatment programs, and provides data on the effects of AA/NA attendance on abstinence at follow-up, on which youth tend to become involved in AA/NA, and on mediation of the benefits of AA/NA participation. In addition, the author suggests the reasons for somewhat limited participation by teens in more informal, community-based 12-step meetings, and makes suggestions for maximizing participation at meetings in the community. The author concludes that AA/ NA participation is a valuable modality of substance abuse treatment for teens and that much can be done to increase teen participation, though more research is needed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior*
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Alcoholics Anonymous*
  • Alcoholism / epidemiology
  • Alcoholism / prevention & control
  • Alcoholism / therapy
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / prevention & control
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / therapy
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Program Evaluation
  • Self-Help Groups*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / prevention & control
  • Substance-Related Disorders / therapy*
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Young Adult