Efficacy of 12-step mutual-help groups other than Alcoholics Anonymous: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Systematic review and meta-analysis of primarily observational and correlational studies
PubMed 37755487 · doi:10.1007/s00406-023-01667-x
What was done
The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines to evaluate twelve-step mutual-help (TSMH) groups other than Alcoholics Anonymous (such as Gamblers Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Double Trouble in Recovery, and compulsive sexual behavior groups). They searched MEDLINE, PsychInfo, and ClinicalTrials from inception to November 1, 2022. Four meta-analyses pooled correlations between TSMH duration or involvement and symptom severity or quality of life.
What was found
A total of 55 articles representing 47 unique studies (24 quantitative, 27 qualitative, 4 mixed-methods) met inclusion criteria. The most evaluated groups were Gamblers Anonymous (28%), Narcotics Anonymous (26%), Overeaters Anonymous (19%), Double Trouble in Recovery (15%), and compulsive sexual behavior groups (11%). Nine studies were included in the meta-analyses, with pooled mean age ranging from 36.5 to 40.5 years and 80% to 81% male participants. Attendance and involvement were negatively correlated with symptom severity and positively correlated with quality of life; however, exact numerical correlation coefficients, effect sizes, and confidence intervals were not reported in the abstract. Qualitative synthesis identified social (n = 15), emotional (n = 9), spiritual (n = 8), and psychological (n = 6) recovery factors.
Why it matters
Most 12-step mutual-help research centers exclusively on Alcoholics Anonymous; this review synthesizes evidence showing that 12-step modalities for other behavioral and substance addictions correlate with symptom reduction and improved quality of life.
Limits
Only 9 of the 47 identified studies were suitable for quantitative pooling, and the abstract omits point estimates and confidence intervals. The pooled meta-analytic sample was heavily skewed toward men (80–81%), limiting generalizability. Because the underlying studies evaluated observational correlations, causality cannot be determined.
Cited by
- supports There is very little published research data evaluating 12-step mutual-help programs for gambling addiction and sex addiction compared to substance use disorders.