Spiritual awakening in 12-step recovery: Impact among residential aftercare residents.

Abstract

Spiritually based interventions in the form of 12-step programs are frequently offered as a part of substance use treatment programs in the United States. Programs based on the 12 steps guarantee that by working their program, an individual will undergo a process of transformation labeled a spiritual awakening. However, the impact of this experience on recovery factors and treatment adherence is unclear. The present study investigated adult residents (n = 115) who experienced a spiritual awakening attributed to 12-step group affiliation during their stay at residential aftercare facilities for substance use disorder (SUD). Self-efficacy and hope were greater for individuals who experienced a spiritual awakening versus those persons who did not experience awakening. Awakening was associated with greater affiliation to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and decreased negative exit from the facility. Results revealed the potential for an awakening to improve treatment behavior and outcomes in a residential environment, as well as benefit an individual's personal recovery resources. Further theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

Perceptions of virtual versus in‐person recovery meetings: A cross‐sectional survey of Oxford House residents

“…Renowned fellowships like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA; established in 1935) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA; established in 1953) have traditionally conducted most of their meetings in‐person, with limited availability of online or telephonic iterations (Krentzman, 2021). These meetings are frequently attended by residents of recovery homes ; affordable, shared housing for individuals currently in recovery from addictive disorders (i.e., alcohol use disorder/substance use disorders; Bell, Islam, Bobak, Ferrari, & Jason, 2023). During the COVID‐19 pandemic, however, many of these meetings were exclusively hosted online (Galanter, White, & Hunter, 2021), giving a unique opportunity to examine the emerging role of virtual platforms to support recovery home residents.…”

“…Characteristics of this model shared with Oxford House include an emphasis on peer support and the therapeutic value of shared experience (Oxford House Inc., 2013). This influence has impacted its base, with studies reporting that as many as 76% of residents regularly attend such groups (Bell et al, 2023; Nealon‐Woods, Ferrari, & Jason, 1995). Majer, Jason, Aase, Droege, and Ferrari (2013) examined 12‐step meetings with Oxford Houses, and found these meetings effectively facilitate an abstinence‐based recovery programme.…”