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

An Exploration of Women’s Experiences in A.A. Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC Dept of Social Work Monmouth University Women’s Health: Addiction, Trauma & Hope October, 2007. Introduction. Interest in the topic area Justification for the study Appropriateness of A.A. for women

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

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  1. An Exploration of Women’s Experiences in A.A. Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC Dept of Social Work Monmouth University Women’s Health: Addiction, Trauma & Hope October, 2007 Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  2. Introduction • Interest in the topic area • Justification for the study • Appropriateness of A.A. for women • Need for information on gender-specific recovery strategies Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  3. Topics of Discussion • Study goals • Examine 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. Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  4. 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? Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  5. Theoretical Frame • Feminist standpoint theory Bepko, Berenson, DeVault Smith, Kasl, Covington • Spirituality 12 Step, Haller Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  6. Methodology Qualitative • Focus Groups • Member checking • Feminist ethnography • Reinharz Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  7. Sampling • Theoretical sampling strategy • Recruitment Data Collection • Focus Groups • Member checking Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  8. Data Analysis Strategy • Data Recording • Coding • Identification of themes • Triangulation of data Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  9. Description of Participants • 5 focus groups • Total of 29 participants • 1 group exclusively of self identified lesbians Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  10. 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 Participants’ Demographics Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  11. Age Range 1- age 75 years 2 – age 72 years 4 – 60’s age range 5 – 50’s age range 13 – 40’s age range Race 26 Caucasian 1 Black 1 Latina 1 Native American Participants’ Demographics Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  12. Education Level Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  13. Religion Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  14. Years in AA Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  15. Number of Relapses Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  16. Participants’ Demographics 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 Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  17. Research Results • Women and Alcoholism • Spirituality/Spiritual Fellowship • The Steps • Change • Barriers to A.A. and Women Friendly Adaptations Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  18. Women and Alcoholism • Why women use • The paradox of active alcohol use • Alcohol use and shame • Lesbians and alcohol use • A grateful alcoholic Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  19. Spirituality/Spiritual Fellowship • Spirituality vs. Religion • Images of God • Surrender and powerlessness Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  20. The Steps • Favorite Steps • A spiritual guide Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  21. Change • Self esteem and attitude • Relationships • Changes for lesbians Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  22. Barriers to A.A. and Women Friendly Adaptations • Language • A sexist program • Women’s meetings • A relational journey • Empowerment Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  23. Discussion and Findings • Alcoholism, Powerlessness and Recovery • Spirituality, Fellowship, The Steps and Change • Relational Recovery Model Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  24. Implications • Addiction Recovery • Social Work Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  25. Limitations • Methodology • Data collection • Recruitment • Sampling strategy Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  26. 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 Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

  27. Future Research • Educational level of A.A. members • Conversion theory and retention of A.A. members Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

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