Identification as a mechanism of change in alcoholics anonymous
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Approaches to explaining the role of spirituality in addiction recovery, especially as it is practiced in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), have tended to focus on the distinctive elements of “the spiritual” variable as a potential mechanism of behavior change. This strategy has led to attempts to explain what is unique about certain religious or spiritual beliefs, practices, and experiences in the reduction of dependence upon alcohol or other substances. However, these approaches have largely ignored the distinctiveness of the “AA variable” in the facilitation of certain spiritual and behavioral changes. In this essay, I approach the “AA variable” as a social phenomenon and argue that this approach reveals a potential mechanism of change unique to AA—namely, identification. I hypothesize that the process of psychological identification is the mechanism underlying the spiritual and behavioral changes in AA. I suggest that this model can help direct future investigation aimed at the role of the spiritual in AA and addiction recovery.
Description
2012
Readers' Approval page was not included in the materials submitted to the Libraries.
Readers' Approval page was not included in the materials submitted to the Libraries.