To our knowledge, this is the first study that has evaluated whether the relationship between AA utilization and alcohol outcomes differs for blacks and whites. We found that while AA utilization was beneficial for both blacks and whites, the magnitude of the effect appeared stronger (but not significantly) among white AA users. Differences in the effects of AA utilization could potentially reflect differential engagement in AA, or engagement with different AA activities affecting sobriety. In this sample at baseline, blacks were more likely to self-identify as an AA member or to have had a spiritual awakening through AA (Kaskutas et al., 1999). By contrast, whites had attended more AA meetings than blacks, and were more likely to have a sponsor and to have read AA literature. Thus it may be that activities such as having a sponsor or attending more AA meetings are especially important mechanisms through which AA facilitates sobriety.
