NCJ Number
196735
Journal
Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: 2002 Pages: 71-81
Date Published
2002
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This descriptive qualitative pilot study explored like attributes of successful recovery among 13 alcoholics with 6 or more years of continuous sobriety.
Abstract
Seven subjects were current members of Alcoholics Anonymous and six subjects were spontaneous remitters chosen through convenience sampling techniques. These persons achieved and maintained stable, long-term recovery without the assistance of a support group. Thirteen common themes and attributes were identified among recovering alcoholics: (1) used the help of supportive people; (2) accepted help from God or a Higher Power; (3) had a strong desire to get well; (4) strove to be honest with self and built self confidence; (5) remembered the negative consequences of their past alcohol abuse; (6) followed a defined or prescribed program of recovery; (7) focused on the good parts of staying sober and on their own goals for life in sobriety; (8) turned to professional help to address issues other than alcoholism; (9) saw sobriety as a sort of spiritual gift or blessing; (10) developed the belief and hope that they could get better; (11) participated in regular, sometimes daily, prayer and/or meditation; (12) served others in some capacity; and (13) received professional chemical dependency counseling at the beginning of sobriety. Figures, references