Oxford House and Alcoholics Anonymous: The Impact of Two Mutual-help Models on Abstinence

摘要

Two examples of mutual-help approaches for substance abuse recovery are 12-step groups (AA and NA) and Oxford House. The present study examined the combined effects of AA and Oxford House residence on abstinence over a 24-month period with 150 individuals randomly assigned to either an Oxford House or to usual after-care. Among individuals with high 12-step involvement, the addition of Oxford House residence significantly increased the odds of abstinence (87.5% vs. 52.9%). However, among participants with low 12-step involvement, rates of abstinence were fairly similar across conditions (31.4% vs. 21.2%). Results suggested that the joint effectiveness of these mutual-help programs may promote abstinence.