Significant disparities in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) attendance among African American, Hispanic, and young populations has been found in a new study. According to the research led by Sarah Zemore, Ph.D., a senior scientist with the Alcohol Research Group in Emeryville, California, these groups are not receiving optimal care, which is concerning given the effectiveness of mutual-help groups in initiating and sustaining recovery from alcohol use disorders.
Alcoholics Anonymous, established nearly 90 years ago, is renowned for its 12-step approach to recovery, which has become a fundamental part of treatment for alcohol and other drug use disorders in the United States. Despite its long history and proven success in helping individuals achieve lasting recovery, the study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs indicates that access to AA is not equal among all Americans>
The research team, including Zemore, found that the lower attendance rates among these groups could not be explained by disparities in the use of specialty substance use treatment. This suggests that the issue may not be related to the severity of alcohol-related problems or access to specialized treatment but rather that there may be aspects of AA that are not appealing to young adults and people of color.
This study underscores the need for further investigation into the barriers that prevent these populations from participating in AA and similar mutual-help groups. Understanding these barriers is crucial for developing strategies to ensure that all individuals struggling with alcohol use disorders have equal access to the support they need for recovery.
See “AA attendance lower among African American, Hispanic and young populations” by Amy Norton on the Medical XPress website (January 24, 2024)
