Hitting Bottom: Help Seeking Among Alcoholics Anonymous Members

Abstract

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) members' self-reports (N = 263) of “hitting bottom” and seeking help were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and chi-square analyses of 23 dependent variables. AA members self-identified a range of bottoms: high-bottom (36.1%), middle (44.5%), and low (19.4%). Whites were 2.4 times more likely than non-Whites to identify as high-bottoms. Lower bottoms were associated with multidrug use, constant drinking, and alcohol-related problems. High bottoms more likely entered AA via member introduction, and low bottoms more likely entered via court order. These findings indicate that individuals who are alcohol dependent might be helped earlier by identifying the initiation or acceleration of their substance use and facilitating relationships with those already in AA.