AA Meeting Attendance May Lift Depression for Alcoholics

Alcoholism is a serious addiction that is resistant to treatment, but alcoholics can often be helped by attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for information and support. New research shows that attending AA meetings may reduce symptoms of depression. AA meetings offer fellowship and motivation to kick the addiction and are a positive movement toward wellness.

There are many good reasons for alcoholics at attend an AA meeting, including social support, information about the disease and a sense of community. One of the reasons to attend AA meetings is to alleviate depression. Researchers found that AA participants had fewer symptoms of depression and drank less alcohol than alcoholics who did not attend AA meetings.

The report about the research will be in the journal Addiction. Research at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Center for Addiction Medicine was led by John F. Kelly, PhD. Kelly stated in a press release, 'Our study is one of the first to examine the mechanisms underlying behavioral change with AA and to find that AA attendance alleviates depression symptoms. Perhaps the social aspects of AA helps people feel better psychologically and emotionally as well as stop drinking.'

Study authors noted that it is common for people with alcohol problems to suffer from depression and have problems with mood regulation. Mood problems often clear up after several weeks of abstinence, but AA participants seem of show a faster improvement in mood.

Alcoholics Anonymous is based on a 12 Step Program that includes social fellowship and accountability to a sponsor and to the group. The AA model of the 12 Step Program has been used as a model for several support groups that have followed.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary program that is open and confidential. Participants are encouraged to attend regular meetings and fellowship with people who suffer from the same addictions. There is no cure for alcoholism, but if the alcoholic can practice abstinence they may regain their health and have a happy lifestyle.

Most alcoholics have personal and professional problems even after they stop drinking, as an aftereffect of their destructive alcoholic behavior. The Twelve Steps of AA offers guidelines to rebuilding your life and relationships, which may be a factor to having more positive mental state.

Alcoholics who attend AA Meetings are making a positive action toward wellness. Of the many benefits of attending AA meetings is a chance to help lift the mental depression that often accompanies the disease.

Resources:

EurekAlert: Massachusetts General Hospital: Attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous may reduce depression symptoms 28-Jan-2010

Alcoholics Anonymous

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