Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC1 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, LCADC2 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, LCADC3 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, LCADC4 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, LCADC5 Theoretical Frame Feminist standpoint theory Bepko, Berenson, DeVault Smith, Kasl, Covington Spirituality 12 Step, Haller

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC6 Methodology Qualitative Focus Groups Member checking Feminist ethnography Reinharz

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC7 Sampling Theoretical sampling strategy Recruitment Data Collection Focus Groups Member checking

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC8 Data Analysis Strategy Data Recording Coding Identification of themes Triangulation of data

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC9 Description of Participants 5 focus groups Total of 29 participants 1 group exclusively of self identified lesbians

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC10 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

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC11 Participants’ Demographics 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

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC12 Education Level

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC13 Religion

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC14 Years in AA

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC15 Number of Relapses

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC16 Participants’ Demographics Years Sober: 25 Years to 2 Days 7 with years 15 with10 to 19 years 6 with 1 to 9 years 1 with 2 days

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC17 Research Results Women and Alcoholism Spirituality/Spiritual Fellowship The Steps Change Barriers to A.A. and Women Friendly Adaptations

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC18 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, LCADC19 Spirituality/Spiritual Fellowship Spirituality vs. Religion Images of God Surrender and powerlessness

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC20 The Steps Favorite Steps A spiritual guide

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC21 Change Self esteem and attitude Relationships Changes for lesbians

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC22 Barriers to A.A. and Women Friendly Adaptations Language A sexist program Women’s meetings A relational journey Empowerment

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC23 Discussion and Findings Alcoholism, Powerlessness and Recovery Spirituality, Fellowship, The Steps and Change Relational Recovery Model

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC24 Implications Addiction Recovery Social Work

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC25 Limitations Methodology Data collection Recruitment Sampling strategy

Carolyn A. Bradley, PhD, LCSW, LCADC26 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, LCADC27 Future Research Educational level of A.A. members Conversion theory and retention of A.A. members