Psycho-social factors behind attaining and maintaining sobriety within participants of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) mutual-help groups in Romania. A qualitative study
Psycho-social factors behind attaining and maintaining sobriety within participants of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) mutual-help groups in Romania. A qualitative study

Summary/Abstract: Addiction is a significant social problem in Romania. Despite the growing number of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) mutual-help groups, there has been little research into mutual-help groups as an intervention in Romania. Although AA has been found to be effective in other countries, unfortunately in Romania it is little known, even among physicians. The purpose of this exploratory study, which is the first known study of 12-Step Programs in Romania, is to explore the motivation and motives of AA’s participants to become sober and maintain their sobriety. The study specifically explores both the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation of AA attendees, as well as other factors, such as social relationships, professional and economic status. This exploratory study uses qualitative methods. Data are analyzed using thematic analysis. Themes related to intrinsic motivations to become sober emerged as a much stronger theme among alcoholics who desired and maintained their sobriety than extrinsic factors. The most common intrinsic motivations are low self-esteem, dissatisfaction with alcohol consumption, and an internal desire to change. Extrinsic motivations, while not as preponderant as intrinsic motivations, included family pressure on the individual to change and the recommendations of physicians. The extrinsic motivation turned into intrinsic motivation as alcoholics sobriety grew. The commitment theory (Rudy & Greil, 1987) could explain this shift in participants` motivation since AA participants get involved in AA, invest time and energy in AA activities, and sacrifice their old identities in favor of new ones. As a result, they become committed to AA and to recovery. Their perspective on life and sobriety changes as they get involved in AA. The findings suggest that those working in the area of alcohol abuse should pay more attention to the intrinsic motivations to change for alcoholics, as these appear to play an important role in attaining and maintaining sobriety. In addition, while intrinsic motivation seems to be mandatory in maintaining sobriety, it is not imperative in attaining sobriety since it can turn into intrinsic motivation as a result of commitment to sobriety and AA.

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