carolyn a. bradley, phd, lcsw, lcadc1 an exploration of women’s experiences in a.a. carolyn a....

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC 1

An Exploration of Women’s Experiences in A.A.

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADCDept of Social Work Monmouth University

Women’s Health: Addiction, Trauma & HopeOctober, 2007


Introduction

Interest in the topic area

Justification for the study Appropriateness of A.A. for women Need for information on gender-specific

recovery strategies


Topics of Discussion

Study goalsExamine how women in A.A. understand

alcoholism.Examine how women in A.A. understand

the program’s principles and practices.Examine how the women’s understanding

aids in achieving sobriety.


Research Questions

How do women in A.A. view the role of alcoholism in their lives?

What principles and practices of A.A. do women find helpful in achieving sobriety?

How do women using A.A. adapt the Program to serve their needs?


Theoretical Frame

Feminist standpoint theory

Bepko, Berenson, DeVault

Smith, Kasl, Covington

Spirituality

12 Step, Haller


Methodology

QualitativeFocus Groups

Member checking

Feminist ethnography Reinharz


Sampling

Theoretical sampling strategy

Recruitment

Data Collection

Focus Groups

Member checking


Data Analysis Strategy Data Recording

Coding

Identification of themes

Triangulation of data


Description of Participants

5 focus groups

Total of 29 participants

1 group exclusively of self identified lesbians


Participants’ Demographics

Sexual Orientation

18 heterosexual

9 lesbian

1 bisexual

1 transgendered

(biologically male, living as a female and lesbian)

Marital Status

8 single

14 married

1 partnered, legally married in Canada

3 divorced



Age Range

1- age 75 years

2 – age 72 years

4 – 60’s age range



Race

26 Caucasian

1 Black

1 Latina

1 Native American


Education Level

1

5

10

4

8

MD

MA

BA/BS

Assoc

High School


Religion

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

Roman Catholic Protestant Christian Hindu Spiritual


Years in AA

20-25 years 14-19 yrs. 13-10 yrs. 9-3 yrs. 12-18 mnts.


Number of Relapses

70%

17%

7%

3%3%

0

1

2

3

4



Years Sober: 25 Years to 2 Days

7 with 20-25 years

15 with10 to 19 years

6 with 1 to 9 years

1 with 2 days


Research Results

Women and Alcoholism

Spirituality/Spiritual Fellowship

The Steps

Change

Barriers to A.A. and Women Friendly Adaptations


Women and Alcoholism

Why women use

The paradox of active alcohol use

Alcohol use and shame

Lesbians and alcohol use

A grateful alcoholic


Spirituality/Spiritual Fellowship

Spirituality vs. Religion

Images of God

Surrender and powerlessness


The Steps

Favorite Steps

A spiritual guide


Change

Self esteem and attitude

Relationships

Changes for lesbians


Barriers to A.A. and Women Friendly Adaptations

Language

A sexist program

Women’s meetings

A relational journey

Empowerment


Discussion and Findings

Alcoholism, Powerlessness and Recovery

Spirituality, Fellowship, The Steps and Change

Relational Recovery Model


Implications

Addiction Recovery

Social Work


Limitations

Methodology

Data collection

Recruitment

Sampling strategy


Future Research

More heterogeneity in group composition

Lesbian specific group

Sexism and heterosexism and type of A.A. group

Men’s vs. Women’s A.A. experiences

Experiences in other 12 Step programs


Future Research

Educational level of A.A. members

Conversion theory and retention of A.A. members

carolyn a. bradley, phd, lcsw, lcadc1 an exploration of women’s experiences in a.a. carolyn a....

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