Participation in 12-Step Programs and Drug Use Among Older Adults With Cannabis Use Disorder: Six-Month Outcomes

This study examined associations among cannabis use disorder (CUD), 12-step program participation, and cannabis and other drug use at baseline and 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Participants were age 50 or older in a study of veterans receiving medical management of alcohol and/or opioid withdrawal ( N = 171). Generalized estimating equations examined the extent to which time point, 12-step program participation, and CUD were associated with change in number of cannabis and non-cannabis drug use days. Also examined was whether having CUD was associated with 12-step program participation. From baseline through the 6-month follow-up, 12-step program participation increased, non-cannabis drug use decreased, and cannabis use remained stable. Twelve-step program participation at baseline was associated with better outcomes at follow-ups. Participants with CUD reported less 12-step program participation and more cannabis use days at follow-ups. Older adults with CUD may need other types of psychosocial treatments due to low participation in 12-step programs.

Participant Evaluation of Twelve-Step Group Linkage for Jailed Women With Alcohol Use Disorder

Jailed women are an underserved population with elevated rates of alcohol use disorders. Brief jail stays make delivery of case management and traditional alcohol treatment impractical yet women face significant reentry challenges with few help resources. Accounting for these challenges, linking jailed women with a twelve-step program volunteer for a one-on-one meeting has been hypothesized to provide a means of support that can transition with women after jail discharge. In-jail meetings are theoretically consistent with the common twelve-step practice of conducting twelve-step calls. The acceptability and content of a one-on-one, in-jail meeting with a twelve-step volunteer were explored using qualitative data collected through interviews with 72 women directly following their in-jail volunteer meeting. Participants found the meeting to be acceptable and to contain many useful elements, and content was in line with the standard twelve-step calls. Findings are encouraging both for the potential utility of the intervention and for dissemination of similar linkage approaches.

Using Qualitative Methods to Inform Scale Development

This article describes the process by which one study utilized qualitative methods to create items for a multi dimensional scale to measure twelve step program affiliation. The process included interviewing fourteen addicted persons while in twelve step focused treatment about specific “pros” (things they like or would miss out on by not being involved in twelve-step programs) and “cons” (things they dislike or would benefit from if they did not engage in twelve-step programs). The triangular process used in qualitative research is described, which generated items for the subsequent instrument to measure ambivalence toward recovery programs. Mixed-method strategies included qualitative interviewing to inform scale development and three analytical approaches to produce specific codes, themes, and domains.