Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #118190

Kristin White, MPH 2005, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 2920 Broadway, Lerner Hall box 7038, New York, NY 10025, 917 535 8545, kristin.white@mac.com

Abstract: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a social phenomenon created to assist and support individuals in recovery. The HYPOTHESIS is that social capital obtained through AA plays a critical role in successful alcohol management while simultaneously placing limits on full social integration.

Specific Aims: (1) To investigate social capital in AA through ethnographic fieldnotes and interviews along four targeted dimensions; (2) To obtain qualitative data on the social aspects of membership in a distinct urban setting.

Significance: Nearly 14 million Americans have alcohol abuse or dependency. Heavy drinking can result in serious physical and mental health problems. Further, alcohol use contributes greatly to the burden of accidents, suicides and violence. Of the various treatments available for Alcoholism, the twelve-step program of AA is the most widespread, successful, and popular. The social context of AA encourages the creation of member networks that support abstinence. “Social capital” is defined as the social relatedness of these networks and the way in which this affects aspects of wellbeing. Research showing differential reduction outcomes according to type of social affiliation indicates that AA-specific social capital is more predictive of treatment success than non-AA social support. However, network theory indicates that the closed structure of AA ties limits the utility of the network in affecting certain aspects of wellbeing. Ethnographic inquiry into the role of social capital for a sample of Manhattan AA members revealed qualitative patterns consistent with stated hypothesis.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session , the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Articulate the concept of social capital and list 4 indicators to measure social capital in the Alcoholics Anonymous treatment context.
• Obtain qualitative data on the social aspects of AA membership in a distinct urban setting (New York City).
• Assess the effect of AA/non-AA networks on social capital and health outcomes in an ethnographic sample.

Keywords: Alcoholism, Special Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation