The influence of social networks on a variety of health behaviors, including alcohol use, has become a central focus in recent years (Galea et al., 2004; Rosenquist et al., 2010; Valente, 2010) and emerging research on the mechanisms of AA's effects points to a role for social processes. For example, Humphreys et al. (1999) found 12-month cognitive and behavioral coping, friendship quality, and network support for abstinence partially mediated the relationship between 12-step involvement following inpatient treatment and 12-month outcomes. Social support in the first 12 months of mutual-help involvement has also been shown to mediate the relationship between affiliation and substance use two years later among individuals with co-occurring substance and mental disorders (Laudet et al., 2004). Research has supported the role of social networks, particularly AA-related support, in long-term recovery. In a mixed sample of inpatients and outpatients, Kaskutas et al. (2002) found that social network influences were mediators of 12-month abstinence. Specifically, a larger social network and greater network support for abstinence partially explained the relationship between greater AA involvement and better outcomes. In tests of individual
