Alcohol Research Group

Treatment & Recovery

The treatment and recovery research undertaken by ARG scientists involves assessing service options, both formal and informal, to understand treatment utilization, help determine clinical best practices and make recommendations that assist people on their road to recovery.

Our studies have measured outcomes of participating in 12-step programs and their alternatives, assessed the positive outcomes experienced by residents of recovery residences, reviewed effectiveness of counseling approaches, developed and tested innovative interventions, identified gaps in service provision for particular populations, and surveyed individuals in recovery to understand how they define recovery.

Our work has, in turn, led to changes in how we approach and support people with alcohol and other drug-related issues.

Scientists
Current Projects
Completed Projects
Selected Publications
  • Polcin, D. L., Mericle, A. A., Braucht, G. S., & Wittman, F. D.
    (2023). Moving social model recovery forward: Recent research on sober living houses. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly , 41 (2) 173–186 Abstract or Full Text
  • Gilbert, P. A., Soweid, L., Holdefer, P. J., Kersten, S., & Mulia, N. (2023). Strategies to maintain recovery from alcohol problems during the COVID-19 pandemic: Insights from a mixed-methods national survey of adults in the United States. PloS One, 18 (4) e0284435 Abstract or Full Text
  • Mericle, A. A., Howell, J., Borkman, T., Subbaraman, M. S., Sanders, B. F., & Polcin, D. L. (2023). Social model recovery and recovery housing. Addiction Research & Theory, 31 (5) 370–377 Abstract or Full Text
  • Mericle, A. A., Patterson, D., Subbaraman, M. S., Howell, J., Sheridan, D., Borkman, T., Burton, J., & Karriker-Jaffe, K. J. (2023). Mapping COVID vulnerability in relation to drug and alcohol recovery residence availability across the United States. BMC Public Health, 23 (1) 2266 Abstract or Full Text
  • Mulia, N., Lui, C. K., Bensley, K., & Subbaraman, M. S. (2022). Effects of Medicaid expansion on alcohol and opioid treatment admissions in US racial/ethnic groups. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 1 (231) 109242 Abstract or Full Text
  • Timko, C., Mericle, A., Kaskutas, L. A., Martinez, P., & Zemore, S. E.  (2022). Predictors and outcomes of online mutual-help group attendance in a national survey study. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 138 108732 Abstract or Full Text
  • Mericle, A. A., Patterson, D., Howell, J., Subbaraman, M. S., Faxio, A., & Karriker-Jaffe, K. J. (2022). Identifying the availability of recovery housing in the U.S.: The NSTARR project. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 230 109188 Abstract or Full Text
  • Amy A . Mericle, Valerie Slaymaker, Kate Gliske, Quyen Ngo, Meenakshi S. Subbaraman (2022). The role of recovery housing during outpatient substance use treatment. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 133 108638 Abstract or Full Text
  • Mahoney, E., Karriker-Jaffe, K. J., Mericle, A. A., Patterson, D., Polcin, D. L., Subbaraman, M., & Witbrodt, J.  (2022). Do neighborhood characteristics of sober living houses impact recovery outcomes? A multilevel analysis of observational data from Los Angeles County. Health & Place, 79 102951 Abstract or Full Text
  • Miles, J., Mericle, A., Ritter, G., & Reif, S. (2022). Association of facility characteristics and substance use disorder outcomes at discharge from residential treatment. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 136 108664 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D. L., Mahoney, E., Witbrodt, J., Mericle, A. A., Subbaraman, M., & Wittman, F. D. (2022). Measuring architecture in recovery homes: Recovery home architecture scale. Substance Use & Misuse, 58 (1) 103–110 Abstract or Full Text
  • Zemore, S. E., Gilbert, P. A., Pinedo, M., Tsutsumi, S., McGeough, B., & Dickerson, D. L. (2021). Racial/ethnic disparities in mutual-help group participation for substance use problems. Alcohol Research , 41 (1) Abstract or Full Text
  • Zemore, S.E., Ware, O.D., Gilbert, P.G., Pinedo, M. (2021). Barriers to retention in substance use treatment: Validation of a new, theory-based scale. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment Volume , 131 Abstract or Full Text
  • McGeough, B. L., Karriker-Jaffe, K. J., Zemore, S. E. (2021). Rates and predictors of Alcoholics Anonymous attendance across sexual orientations. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 129 108400 Abstract or Full Text
  • Gilbert, P. A., Soweid, L., Kersten, S. K., Brown, G., Zemore, S. E., Mulia, N., & Skinstad, A. H. (2021). Maintaining recovery from alcohol use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic: The importance of recovery capital. Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports, 229(Pt A) 109142 Abstract or Full Text
  • Mahoney, E., Witbrodt, J., Mericle, A. A., & Polcin, D. L. (2021). Resident and house manager perceptions of social environments in sober living houses: Associations with length of stay. Journal of Community Psychology, 49 (7) 2959-2971 Abstract or Full Text
  • Mericle, A. A., Sheridan, D., Howell, J., Braucht, G., Karriker-Jaffe, K., Polcin, D. L (2020). Sheltering in place and social distancing when the services provided are housing and social support: The COVID-19 health crisis and recovery housing. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 119 (119) Abstract or Full Text
  • Mericle, A. A., Karriker-Jaffe, K., Patterson, D., Mahoney, E., Cooperman, L., & Polcin, D. L (2020). Recovery in context: Sober living houses and the ecology of recovery. Journal of Community Psychology, 48 (8) 2589-2607 Abstract or Full Text
  • Pinedo, M., Zemore, S., & Mulia, N.  (2020). Black-White differences in barriers to specialty alcohol and drug treatment: findings from a qualitative study. Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse, 21 (1) 1-15 Abstract or Full Text
  • Tsutsumi, S., Timko, C., & Zemore, S. E. (2020). Ambivalent attendees: Transitions in group affiliation among those who choose a 12-step alternative for addiction. Addictive Behaviors, 102 Abstract or Full Text
  • Pinedo, M., Zemore, S., Beltrán-Girón, J., Gilbert, P., & Castro, Y. (2020). Women’s barriers to specialty substance abuse treatment: A qualitative exploration of racial/ethnic differences. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 22 (4) 653-660 Abstract or Full Text
  • Cherpitel, C. J., Karriker-Jaffe, K. J., Li, L., & Zemore, S. E.  (2020). Neighborhood context and drug use among Mexican Americans on and off the U.S.-Mexico border. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 81 (6) 770-779 Abstract or Full Text
  • Gilbert, Paul A., Pro, George, Zemore, Sarah E., Mulia, Nina, Brown, Grant (2019). Gender differences in use of alcohol treatment services and reasons for non-use in a national sample. Alcohol Clin Exp Res, Abstract or Full Text
  • Mericle, Amy A., Carrico, Adam W., Hemberg, Jordana, Stall, Ronald, Polcin, Douglas L. (2019). Improving recovery outcomes among MSM: the potential role of recovery housing. Journal of Substance Use, 24 (2) 140-146 Abstract or Full Text
  • Mericle AA, Mahoney E, Korcha R, Delucchi K, Polcin DL. (2019). Sober living house characteristics: a multilevel analyses of factors associated with improved outcomes. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 98 28-38 Abstract or Full Text
  • Nayak, M.B., Kaskutas, L.A., Mericle, A.A., (2019). Randomized trial of an innovative electronic screening and brief intervention for reducing drinking among women of childbearing age. , Abstract or Full Text
  • Subbaraman, M.S., Barnett, S.B., Karriker-Jaffe, K.J., (2019). Risks associated with mid-level cannabis use among people treated for alcohol use disorder. Alcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research , 43 (4) Abstract or Full Text
  • Roberts, S.C.M., Mericle, A., Subbaraman, M., Thomas, S., Treffers, R., Delucchi, K., Kerr, W.C., (2019). State policies targeting alcohol use during pregnancy and alcohol use among pregnant women 1985-2016: Evidence from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system. Womens Health Issues, 29 (3) 213-221 Abstract or Full Text
  • Martinez, P., Zemore, S.E., (2019). Feasibility of a mail‐in, self‐administered dried blood spot collection method in national, population‐based alcohol surveys in the U.S.. Addiction , 114 (7) Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin DL, Nayak MB, Korcha R, Pugh S, Witbrodt J, Salinardi M, Galloway G, Nelson E. (2019). Heavy drinking among women receiving intensive motivational interviewing: 6-month outcomes. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, July 21 1-10 Abstract or Full Text
  • Witbrodt J, Polcin D, Korcha R, Li L. (2019). Beneficial effects of motivational interviewing case management: a latent class analysis of recovery capital among sober living residents with criminal justice involvement.. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 200 124-132 Abstract or Full Text
  • Rogers, S. M., Pinedo, M., Villatoro, A. P., & Zemore, S. E. (2019). “I don’t feel like I have a problem because I can still go to work and function”: Problem recognition among persons with substance use disorders. Substance Use & Misuse, 54 (13) 2108-2116 Abstract or Full Text
  • Martinez, P., Zemore, S. E., Pinedo, M., Borges, G., Orozco, R., & Cherpitel, C. (2019). Understanding differences in prescription drug misuse between two Texas border communities. Ethnicity & Health, 1-17 Abstract or Full Text
  • Zemore, S.E., Lui, C.K., Mericle, A., Hemberg,J., Kaskutas, L.A. (2018). A longitudinal study of the comparative efficacy of Women for Sobriety, LifeRing, SMART Recovery, and 12-step groups for those with AUD. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment , 88 18-26 Abstract or Full Text
  • Klinger, J.L., Karriker-Jaffe, K.J., Witbrodt, J., Kaskutas, L.A. (2018). Effects of distance to treatment on subsequent alcohol consumption. Drugs: Education Prevention and Policy, 25 (2) 173-80 Abstract or Full Text
  • Karriker-Jaffe, K.J., Witbrodt, J., Subbaraman, M.S., Kaskutas, L.A. (2018). What happens after treatment? Long-term effects of continued substance use, psychiatric problems and help-seeking on social status of alcohol-dependent individuals. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 53 394-402 Abstract or Full Text
  • Subbaraman, M. S., Metrik, J., Patterson, D., Stout, R. L. (2018). Cannabis use during alcohol treatment is associated with alcohol-related problems one-year post-treatment. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 193 29-34 Abstract or Full Text
  • Karriker-Jaffe, K.J., Klinger, J.L., Witbrodt, J., Kaskutas, L.A., (2018). Effects of treatment type on alcohol consumption partially mediated by Alcoholics Anonymous attendance. Substance Use Misuse, 53 (4) 596-605 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D.L., Korcha, R., Nayak, M., (2018). Development of Intensive Motivational Interviewing (IMI) and modifications for treating women with alcohol use disorders. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 48 (2) 51-59 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D.L., (2018). Role of recovery residences in criminal justice reform.. International Journal of Drug Policy, 52 32-36 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D.L., Korcha, R., Witbrodt, J., Mericle, A.A., Mahoney, E., (2018). Motivational Interviewing Case Management (MICM) for persons on probation or parole entering sober living houses. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 45 (11) 1634-1659 Abstract or Full Text
  • Pinedo, M., Zemore, S., Rogers, S., (2018). Understanding barriers to specialty substance abuse treatment among Latinos. , 94 1-8 Abstract or Full Text
  • Mericle, A.A., de Guzman, R., Hemberg, J., Yette, E., Drabble, L., Trocki, K., (2018). Delivering LGBT-sensitive substance use treatment to sexual minority women. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services , 30 (4) Abstract or Full Text
  • Karriker-Jaffe, K.J., Subbaraman, M.S., Greenfield, T.K., Kerr, W.C., (2018). Contribution of alcohol and drug co-use to substance use problems. Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs Impact, 35 482-442 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D.L., Korcha, R., Pugh, S., Witbrodt, J., Salinardi, M., Galloway, G., Nayak, M., Nelson, E., (2018). Intensive motivational interviewing for heavy drinking among women. Addictive Disorders & Their Treatment, 18 (2) 70-80 Abstract or Full Text
  • Subbaraman, M.S., Metrik, J., Patterson, D., Swift, R. (2017). Cannabis use during treatment for alcohol use disorders predicts alcohol treatment outcomes. Addiction , Abstract or Full Text
  • Zemore S, Kaskutas LA, Mericle A, Hemberg J (2017). Comparison of 12-Step groups to mutual help alternatives for AUD in a large, national study: differences in membership characteristics and group participation, cohesion, and satisfaction. J Subst Abuse Treat, 73 16-26 Abstract or Full Text
  • Lui C.K., Sterling S.A., Chi F.W., Lu Y., Campbell C.I. (2017). Socioeconomic differences in adolescent substance abuse treatment participation and long-term outcomes. Addictive Behaviors, 68 45-51 Abstract or Full Text
  • Mericle AA, Polcin DL, Hemberg J, Miles J (2017). Recovery housing: evolving models to address resident needs. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 49 (4) 352-361 Abstract or Full Text
  • Mericle AA, Miles J (2017). Quality of life and the complex needs of recovery home residents. Substance Abuse, 38 (3) 309-316 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin DL, Korcha R (2017). Housing status, psychiatric symptoms, and substance abuse outcomes among sober living house residents over 18 months. Addictive Disorders & Their Treatment, 16 (3) 138-150 Abstract or Full Text
  • Smith-Bernardin S, Carrico A, Max W, Chapman S (2017). Utilization of a sobering center for acute alcohol intoxication. Academic Emergency Medicine, 24 (9) 1060-1071 Abstract or Full Text
  • Cook W.K., John I., Chung C., Tseng W., Lee J.P. (2017). Medicaid expansion and healthcare access: lessons from Asian American and Pacific Islander experiences in California. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 19 (4) 995-999 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D. L., R. Korcha (2017). Social support influences on substance abuse outcomes among sober living house residents with low and moderate psychiatric severity. Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education, 61 (1) 51-70 Abstract or Full Text
  • Mericle, Amy A. and Grella, Christine E. (2017). Integrating housing and recovery support services: Introduction to the special section. Journal of Dual Diagnosis, 12 (2) 150–152 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D.L., Korcha, R., Mericle, A.A., Mahoney, E., Hemberg, J., (2017). Problems and service needs among ex-offenders with HIV risk behaviors entering sober living recovery homes. Criminal Justice Studies, 30 (4) 381-400 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D.L., Mericle, A., Callahan, S., Harvey, R., Jason, L.A. (2016). Challenges and rewards of conducting research on recovery residences for alcohol and drug disorders. Journal of Drug Issues, 46 (1) 51-63 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D. L., Korcha, R., Bond, J., Galloway, G., &  Nayak, M. (2016). Changes in psychiatric symptoms among persons with methamphetamine dependence predicts changes in severity of drug problems but not frequency of use. Substance Abuse, 37 (1) 209-214 Abstract or Full Text
  • Borkman, T.J., Stunz, A., Kaskutas, L.A. (2016). Developing an experiential definition of recovery: participatory research with recovering substance abusers from multiple pathways. Substance Use & Misuse, 51 (9) 1116-1129 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D., Witbrodt, J., Korcha, R., Gupta, S., Mericle, A. (2016). Course of psychiatric symptoms and abstinence among methamphetamine dependent persons in sober living recovery homes. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 48 (3) 173-180 Abstract or Full Text
  • Mericle, A.A., Karriker-Jaffe, K.J., Gupta, S., Sheridan, D.M. & Polcin, D.L. (2016). Distribution and neighborhood correlates of sober living house locations in Los Angeles. American Journal of Community Psychology, 58 (1-2) 88-99 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D., Korcha, R., Gupta, S., Subbaraman, M.S., Mericle, A.A. (2016). Prevalence and trajectories of psychiatric symptoms among sober living house residents. Journal of Dual Diagnosis, 12 (2) 175-84 Abstract or Full Text
  • Lui CK, Chung PJ, Ford CL, Grella CE, & Mulia N. (2015). Drinking behaviors and life course socioeconomic status during the transition from adolescence to adulthood among Whites and Blacks. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 76 (1) 68-79 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D.L., Sterling, J., Brown, T., Brown, M., Buscemi, R., Korcha, R. (2015). Client and therapist views about intensive and standard motivational interviewing. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, September (10.1007/s10879-014-9280-1) Abstract or Full Text
  • Kaskutas, L. A. and L. Ritter (2015). Consistency Between Beliefs and Behavior Regarding Use of Substances in Recovery. International Journal of Self Help and Self Care, Abstract or Full Text
  • Mericle A.A., Miles J., Cacciola J. A. (2015). A critical component of the continuum of care for substance use disorders: recovery homes in Philadelphia. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 47 (1) 80-90 Abstract or Full Text
  • Mericle A.A., Arria A.M., Meyers K., Cacciola J., Winters K.C., Kirby K. (2015). National Trends in Adolescent Substance Use Disorders and Treatment Availability: 2003–2010. Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, Abstract or Full Text
  • Cherpitel, C.J., Ye, Y. (2015). Performance of the RAPS4/RAPS4-QF for DSM-5 compared to DSM-IV alcohol use disorders in the general population: data from the 2000-2010 National Alcohol Surveys. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 151 258-261 Abstract or Full Text
  • Korcha, R.A., Polcin, D.L., Evans K., Bond, J.C., Galloway, G.P. (2015). Intensive motivational interviewing for women with alcohol problems. Counselor , 16 (3) 62-69 Abstract or Full Text
  • Kaskutas, L.A., Witbrodt, J., Grella, C.E (2015). Recovery definitions: Do they change?. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, Abstract or Full Text
  • Subbaraman, M.S., Laudet, A.B., Ritter, L.A., Stunz, A., Kaskutas, L.A. (2015). Multi-source recruitment strategies for advancing addiction recovery research beyond treated samples. Journal of Community Psychology, 43 (5: ) 560-575. Abstract or Full Text
  • Vederhus, J.K., Zemore, S.E., Rise, J., Clausen, T., & Høie. M. (2015). Predicting patient post-detoxification engagement in 12-step groups with an extended version of the theory of planned behavior. Addiction Science and Clinical Practice, 10 (1:) 15 Abstract or Full Text
  • Evans, E., Kellegan, A., Li, L., Min, J., Huang, D., Urada, D., Hser, Y.I., Nosyk, B. (2015). Gender differences in mortality among treated opioid dependent patients. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, Abstract or Full Text
  • Evans, E., Padwa, H., Li, L., Lin, V., Hser, Y.I. (2015). Heterogeneity of mental health service utilization and high mental health service use among women eight years after initiating substance use disorder treatment. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, Abstract or Full Text
  • Evans, E., Li, L., Min, J., Huang, D., Urada, D., Liu, L., Hser, Y.I., Nosyk, B. (2015). Mortality among individuals accessing pharmacological treatment for opioid dependence in California, 2006–10. Addiction, 110 (6) 996-1005 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D. L., & Korcha, R. (2015). Motivation to maintain sobriety among residents of sober living recovery homes.. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 6 103-111. Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D. L. (2015). How should we study residential recovery homes?. Therapeutic Communities, 36 (3) 163-172. Abstract or Full Text
  • Mericle A.A., Miles J., Way F. (2015). Recovery residences and providing safe and supportive housing for individuals overcoming addiction. Journal of Drug Issues, 45 (4) 368-384 Abstract or Full Text
  • Gilbert, P.A., Trocki, K.F., Drabble, L., (2015). Regular presex drinking: The importance of considering sexual orientation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28910209, 105 (12) Abstract or Full Text
  • Korcha, R. A., Polcin, D. L., Evans, K., Bond, J. C., & Galloway, G. (2014). Intensive Motivational Interviewing for women with concurrent alcohol problems and methamphetamine dependence. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 46 (2) 113-9 Abstract or Full Text
  • Subbaraman M.S. (2014). Can cannabis be considered a substitute medication for alcohol?. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 49 (3) 292-8 Abstract or Full Text
  • Gilbert P.A., Perreira K., Eng E, Rhodes S.D. (2014). Social Stressors and Alcohol Use among Immigrant Sexual and Gender Minority Latinos in a Non-Traditional Settlement State. Substance Use & Misuse, 49 (11) 1365-75 Abstract or Full Text
  • Mulia, N., Tam, T.W., & Schmidt, L.A. (2014). Disparities in the use and quality of alcohol treatment services and some proposed solutions. Psychiatric Services, 65 (5) 626-633 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D.L., Bond, J., Korcha, R., Nayak, M.B., Galloway, G.P., Evans, K. (2014). Randomized trial of intensive Motivational Interviewing for methamphetamine dependence. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 33 (3) 253-65 Abstract or Full Text
  • Kaskutas L.A., Borkman T., Laudet A., Ritter L.A., Witbrodt J., Subbaraman M., Stunz, A., Bond, J. (2014). Elements that define recovery: the experiential perspective. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 75 (6) 999-1010 Abstract or Full Text
  • Lui CK, Chung PJ, Wallace SP, & Aneshensel CS (2014). Social status attainment during the transition to adulthood. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 43 (7) 1134-1150 Abstract or Full Text
  • Nayak M.B., Korcha R.A., Kaskutas L.A., Avalos L.A. (2014). Feasibility and acceptability of a novel, computerized Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) for alcohol and sweetened beverage use in pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 14 379 Abstract or Full Text
  • Nosyk, B., Li, L., Evans, E., Urada, D., Huang, D., Wood, E., Rawson, R., Hser, Y. (2014). Utilization and outcomes of detoxification and maintenance treatment for opioid dependence in publicly-funded facilities in California, US: 1991-2012. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 143 149-57. Abstract or Full Text
  • Zemore, S.E., Subbaraman, M.S., & Tonigan, J. S. (2013). Involvement in 12-step activities and treatment outcomes. Journal of Substance Abuse, 34 (1) 60-69 Abstract or Full Text
  • Cherpitel, C.J., Martin, G., Macdonald, M., Brubacher, J.R., Stenstrom, R. (2013). Alcohol and drug use as predictors of intentional injuries in two emergency departments in British Columbia. American Journal on Addictions, 22 87-92 Abstract or Full Text
  • Avalos, L.A. & Mulia, N. (2012). Formal and informal substance use treatment utilization and alcohol abstinence over seven years: Is the relationship different for blacks and whites?. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 121 (2-Jan) 73-80 Abstract or Full Text
  • Korcha, R. A., Cherpitel, C. J., Moskalewicz, J., Swiatkiewicz, G., Bond, J., & Ye, Y. (2012). Readiness to change, drinking, and negative consequences among Polish SBIRT patients. Addictive Behaviors, 37 (3) 287-292 Abstract or Full Text
  • Korcha, R. A., & Polcin, D. L. (2012). [Editorial] Addressing the deluge of early release prisoners into US communities. Addiction, 107 5-Apr
  • Subbaraman, M. S., Kaskutas, L. A. (2012). Social support and comfort in AA as mediators of “Making AA Easier” (MAAEZ), a 12-step facilitation intervention. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 26 (4) 759-65 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D., Korcha, R., Greenfield, T. K., Bond, J., Kerr, W. (2012). Pressure to reduce drinking and reasons for seeking treatment. Contemporary Drug Problems, 39 (4) 687-714 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D. L., Korcha, R., Greenfield, T. K., Bond, J., & Kerr, W. (2012). Twenty‐one year trends and correlates of pressure to change drinking. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 36 (4) 705-715 Abstract or Full Text
  • Korcha, R. A., Polcin, D. L., Bond, J., Lapp, W. M., & Galloway, G. (2011). Substance use and motivation: A longitudinal perspective. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 37 (1) 48-53 Abstract or Full Text
  • Subbaraman, M., Kaskutas, L.A., & Zemore, S.E. (2011). Sponsorship and service as mediators of the effects of Making Alcoholics Anonymous Easier (MAAEZ), a 12-step facilitation intervention. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 116 (3-Jan) 117-124 Abstract or Full Text
  • Mulia, N., Schmidt, L.A., Ye, Y., & Greenfield, T. K. (2011). Preventing disparities in alcohol screening and brief intervention: The need to move beyond primary care.. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 35 (9) 1557-1560 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D.L., Korcha, R.A., Bond, J., & Galloway, G (2010). Eighteen month outcomes for clients receiving combined outpatient treatment and sober living houses. Journal of Substance Use, 15 352-366 Abstract or Full Text
  • Polcin, D.L., Korcha, R.A., Bond, J., & Galloway, G (2010). Sober living houses for alcohol and drug dependence: 18-month outcomes. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 38 (4) 356-365 Abstract or Full Text
  • Cherpitel, C.J., Korcha, R., Moskalewicz, J., Swiatkiewicz, G., Ye, Y. & Bond, J. (2010). Screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT): 12-month outcomes of a randomized controlled clinical trial in a Polish emergency room. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 34 1922-1928 Abstract or Full Text
  • Kaskutas, L. A., Subbaraman, M., Witbrodt, J., & Zemore, S. E. (2009). Effectiveness of Making Alcoholics Anonymous Easier (MAAEZ), a group format 12-step facilitation approach. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 37 228-239 Abstract or Full Text
  • Kaskutas, L. A. (2009). Alcoholics Anonymous effectiveness: faith meets science. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 28 (2) 145-157 Abstract or Full Text
  • Zemore, S. E., Mulia, N., Ye, Y., Borges, G., & Greenfield, T. K. (2009). Gender, acculturation, and other barriers to alcohol treatment utilization among Latinos in three National Alcohol Surveys. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 36 (4) 446-456 Abstract or Full Text
  • Cherpitel, C.J., Moskalewicz, J., Swiatkiewicz, G., Ye, Y. &  Bond, J. (2009). Screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) in a Polish emergency department: three-month outcomes of a randomized controlled clinical trial. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 70 982-990 Abstract or Full Text
  • Greenfield, T. K., Stoneking, B. C., Sundby, E., Humphreys, K., & Bond, J. (2008). A randomized trial of a mental health consumer-managed alternative civil commitment. Am. J. Community Psychol., 42 (2-Jan) 135-44 Abstract or Full Text
  • Kaskutas, L. A., Ye, Y., Greenfield, T. K., Witbrodt, J., & Bond, J. (2008). Epidemiology of Alcoholics Anonymous participation. Research on Alcoholics Anonymous and Spiritual Aspects of Addiction Recovery, 18 261-82 Abstract or Full Text
  • Zemore, S. E. (2007). A role for spiritual change in the benefits of 12-step involvement. Alcohol. Clin. Exp. Res., 31 76S-79S Abstract or Full Text
  • de Guzman, R., Gwadz, M., Leonard, N., Young, B., & Ritchie, A. (2006). “I thought there was no hope for me because I was a relapser”: An examination of a behavioral intervention for urban HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected mothers with problem drinking.. Qualitative Health Research, 16 (9) Abstract or Full Text
  • Kaskutas, L. A., Ammon, L. N., Delucchi, K., Room, R., Bond, J., & Weisner, C. (2005). Alcoholics Anonymous careers: patterns of AA involvement five years after treatment entry. Alcohol. Clin. Exp. Res., 29 (11) 1983-90 Abstract or Full Text
  • Kaskutas, L. A., Zhang, L., French, M. T., & Witbrodt, J. (2005). Women’s programs versus mixed-gender day treatment: results from a randomized study. Addiction, 100 60-69 Abstract or Full Text
  • Kaskutas, L.A., Witbrodt, J., & French, M.T. (2004). Outcomes and costs of day hospital treatment and nonmedical day treatment for chemical dependency. J. Stud. Alcohol, 65 (3) 371-82 Abstract or Full Text
  • Zemore S.E., Kaskutas L.A., Ammon L.N. (2004). In 12-step groups, helping helps the helper. Addiction, 99 1015-1023 Abstract or Full Text
  • Zemore, S.E., & Kaskutas, L.A. (2004). Helping, spirituality, and AA in recovery. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 65 383-391 Abstract or Full Text
  • Kaskutas, L. A., Oberste, E A (2002). MAAEZ. Making Alcoholics Anonymous Easier. , Abstract or Full Text
  • Greenfield, T. K. (2000). Case examples of client satisfaction evaluations: Part A. An evaluation of satisfaction with a state drinker driver treatment program; Part B. Client satisfaction with residential substance treatment programmes [https://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2000/WHO_MSD_MSB_00.2g.pdf, accessed 11/18/04]. WHO Evaluation of Psychoactive Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Workbook 6. Client Satisfaction Evaluations, 21-31
  • Attkisson, C C, Greenfield, T. K. (1999). The UCSF Client Satisfaction Scales: I. The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8. The Use of Psychological Testing for Treatment Planning and Outcome(s) Assessment, 1333-46
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Impacts

Defining recovery — as people in recovery see it

US study asks almost 10,000 people in recovery from substance use how they define recovery and identifies shared elements that may help support an addiction-free life Emeryville, CA (September 18, 2023) A new study found that when asking people in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD) how …[Read more]

Recovery Housing Project Produces & Makes Available U.S. State-Level Reports

The National Study of Treatment and Addiction Recovery Residences (NSTARR) project is the largest and most diverse study of recovery housing to date. Data from across the U.S. were gathered and analyzed to develop the first comprehensive database and assessment of the recovery residence landscape. A…[Read more]

Project Offers First Look at Location, Needs, and Service Gaps of Recovery Housing

Emeryville, CA--While some have offered estimates of the number of recovery residences in the U.S., the National Study of Treatment and Addiction Recovery Residences (NSTARR), a joint effort between the Public Health Institute’s Alcohol Research Group and RTI International, a nonprofit res…[Read more]

Research in Progress: The Recovery Residence Landscape

First of its kind, the National Study of Treatment and Addiction Recovery Residences (NSTARR) was launched last year to identify the gaps in recovery housing research and provide a complete picture of the recovery residence landscape across all 50 states. Recently, the project received a supplem…[Read more]

Research Round-up: Treatment & Recovery

The treatment and recovery research undertaken by ARG scientists involves assessing service options, both formal and informal, to understand treatment utilization, help determine clinical best practices and make recommendations that assist people on their road to recovery. Our studies have …[Read more]

New Project Aims to Capture the Landscape of Recovery Housing

For most of her career, scientist Amy Mericle, PhD, has worked in treatment and recovery research, including recovery housing. Her latest project, funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), aims to develop and provide a complete picture of the national recovery…[Read more]

US Drinking Norms Updated

As a practitioner, one way to assess your clients' drinking habits is to have them compare their current consumption level to how much the rest of the nation is drinking.  ARG senior scientist, Thomas K. Greenfield and  biostatistician Yu Ye took data from the 2015 National Alcohol Sur…[Read more]

New treatment program helps women significantly reduce how much they drink even after treatment ends

A new clinical trial shows that intensive motivational interviewing (IMI), an intervention that was first used to treat methamphetamine dependence, is highly effective in curbing how much women with alcohol problems drank two months after the program ended with consumption levels sustained at the si…[Read more]

People with AUD may be able to substitute cannabis for alcohol

 New study links moderate cannabis use to persistent alcohol problems; finds no association for heavier or lighter use People with a lifetime alcohol use disorder (AUD) who used cannabis moderately had 2.83 times the number of drinks and experienced 6.82 times greater odds of alcohol…[Read more]

Alcohol Treatment & Social Status

Undergoing alcohol treatment does little to improve social status Despite some improvement in the first year, a new study found no significant improvement in a person’s social status during the seven years after completing alcohol treatment. Social status in the years after completing treatment…[Read more]

Viable Alternatives to 12-Step Programs

More Paths to Successful Sobriety than Just Alcoholics Anonymous, Says New Study Alternative Mutual Help Groups are Viable Options to Traditional 12-step Groups People with an alcohol use disorder who participated in alternative mutual help groups had abstinence outcomes equivalent to those wh…[Read more]

Social Networks, Poverty, & Relapse Risk

Problem drinkers with friends who drink and who live in poor neighborhoods are more likely to relapse after treatment The number of people in your social network who drink increases the risk of relapse following treatment and this risk is even greater if you live in a disadvantaged neighbor…[Read more]

New Scale will Assess Treatment Barriers for Racial/Ethnic Groups

Affiliate Scientist, former postdoctoral fellow, and current Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, Miguel Pinedo's interests and expertise have always focused on racial/ethnic disparities, whether it was studying the role of migration-related factors in alcohol and drug…[Read more]

Cannabis’s Effect on Post Treatment Sobriety

People who used cannabis while undergoing treatment for an alcohol use disorder (AUD) had significantly fewer days of alcohol abstinence at the end of treatment compared with non-cannabis users, according to a new study from ARG biostatistician Meenakshi Sabina Subbaraman. Study team members includ…[Read more]

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About ARG

We are a non-profit research organization that seeks to improve public health through deepening our understanding of alcohol and other drug use and investigating innovative approaches to reduce its consequences for individuals, families, and communities.

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