A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) and N.A. (Narcotics Anonymous) for Adolescents (From Practical Approaches in Treating Adolescent Chemical Dependency: A Guide to Clinical Assessment and Intervention, P 265-284, 1989, Paul B Henry, ed. -- See NCJ-118086)

• NCJ Number: 118096
• Author(s): P D Gifford
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 20 pages
• Sale Source: Haworth Press, Inc
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in treating adolescent chemical dependency is reviewed.

Abstract

AA is the originator of the Twelve Step concept, but AA is not necessarily more appropriate for adolescents than NA because of the different psychodynamics in the two organizations. AA was formed in 1935 at a conservative time when the United States was emerging from the Great Depression and when drugs other than alcohol were not viewed in the same vein. NA was founded in 1953 and is different from AA in both content and practice. Because the widely varied population in the 1950's made it impossible to focus on the effect of any one class of drugs or their physiological effects, NA founders focused on the unmanageability of addiction in general and its sick behavioral constituents. NA saw a pitfall in approaching addiction physiologically, since many NA members were not physically hooked on drugs but rather were addicted to changing their moods by any means. NA calls itself a family and emphasizes love, unconditional acceptance, and emotional sharing. To many adolescents, AA represents a form of parental admonishment, and adolescents may seek to hide themselves in AA so they will not be confronted as easily if they do not stop using drugs. NA is very clear that its program demands abstinence from all drugs. 8 references.