Using Mutual-Help Groups to Address Alcohol Problems: Research is Beginning to Show That Attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings Increases the Odds of Recovery and Improves Mood and Well-Being

Alcohol is often referred to as "man's oldest friend and oldest enemy." For many, a glass or two of this "ambiguous molecule" (Edwards 2000) makes a good time better and after-work downtime even more relaxing. However, overconsumption can quickly turn a good time into a regrettable and nauseating calamity and relaxation into a stupor. Over time, chronic, heavy use can produce changes in physical and mental health and impairments in functioning at home and work that warrant a clinical diagnosis of an alcohol use disorder. As this article explains, the negative economic impact of heavy alcohol use is felt most deeply in the workplace, although it is not always obvious that poor performance and/or work absence is attributable to alcohol consumption. Employee assistance professionals trying to help workers address problems affecting their productivity are encouraged to screen for the possibility of alcohol problems and, if warranted, to provide advice, counseling or a treatment referral as needed. This article describes the role of screenings and brief interventions and devotes particular attention to the role that community mutual-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can play in solving alcohol problems.