Evidence from a large number of studies reveals that AA and NA participation is strongly associated with abstinence and recovery (Kaskutas, 2009; Emrick et al., 1993; Humphreys, 2004;Timko et al, 2000), may potentiate and extend the benefits of SUD treatment (Emrick et al, 1993; Fiorentine and Hillhouse, 2000; Kelly and Yeterian, 2008; Kelly et al., 2010; Moos and Moos, 2004), and may help reduce health care costs while producing better recovery rates (Humphreys and Moos, 2001; 2007; Humphreys et al, 1996). One of the mechanisms through which AA may confer these recovery-related benefits is by mobilizing adaptive social network changes that, in turn, support sober activities. Changes in what one does, and with whom, could reduce exposure to alcohol-related cues, thereby reducing cue-induced craving and relapse risk (Fox et al., 2007).
