‘Tweaking 12-step’: The potential role of 12-step self-help group involvement in methamphetamine recovery.

This review article is the product of development work done for protocol CTN-0031, “Stimulant Abuser Groups to Engage in 12-Step (STAGE-12).” The authors aimed to determine from a review of the available literature the extent to which involvement in 12-step mutual support groups could play a role in the recovery process for individuals abusing or dependent on methamphetamine.

There are few, if any, data available on methamphetamine abusers and their 12-step approaches. Evidence derived from work with alcohol- and cocaine-dependent individuals, however, indicates that involvement in 12-step self-help groups, both attending meetings and engaging in 12-step activities, is associated with reduced substance use and improved outcomes. More actively integrating 12-step approaches into the treatment process may provide low- or no-cost options for methamphetamine abusers and increase the capacity for providing treatment.

Further research and evaluation are necessary to determine the extent to which methamphetamine abusers do engage in 12-step programs, whether they prefer more general (e.g. Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, e.g.) or drug-specific (e.g. Crystal Meth Anonymous) meetings, the rate of dropout and the outcomes associated with their involvement. Further, the efficacy of efforts to facilitate involvement of methamphetamine 12-step groups needs to be determined.

Related protocols: CTN-0031