13th-stepping in AA refers to sexual harassment/overtures occurring in AA settings - typically initiated by men with a long history of sobriety (thus, possessing power in the group) among women - I have published 1 descriptive study on this practice, but have been unable to find any other publications on this topic. Does anyone know of any other published work on this topic, and/or have any suggestions for me about further research? Thank you.
Hi Cathy,
Due to a number of factors (largely to do with sampling biases), it's extremely difficult to obtain reliable information on the prevalence of ANYTHING related to AA.
Accordingly, discussions about AA's efficacy tend to rapidly polarise into two opposing camps, overly enthusiastic "true believers" versus "cynical skeptics".
The fact that membership is anonymous makes any sort of scientific study of long-term outcomes extremely problematic. The fact that most members represent a self-selecting sample biases any research based on attendance figures, while the fact that some members are court-mandated and coerced into attending further muddies the waters.
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On the subject of "13th stepping", based on anecdote, it would appear to be a reasonably common occurrence in AA groups all over the planet.
See; Alcoholics Anonymous in Mexico: A strong but fragmented movement
H Rosovsky - NAD PUBLICATION, 1998
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(Striking, yes, although I'd debate the suggestion that jokes about misogynistic predation upon the vulnerable are very "humorous" ).
However we must not ignore the fact that sexual relationships frequently form in residential rehabs and treatment centres that don't espouse a 12 Step philosophy. I think Colin has explained (in his first paragraph above) why this may be the case. The following article discusses "13th Stepping" as a "substitute addiction";
http://baywood.metapress.com/app/home/contribution.asp?referrer=parent&backto=issue,5,6;journal,23,172;linkingpublicationresults,1:300320,1
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However, I would suggest that there is a significant difference between "13th Stepping" and "just hooking up in rehab".
The term "13th Stepping" is generally understood to imply sexual advances from a Sponsor, or from some other AA long-timer, directed at a new member. The desperation or vulnerability of many individuals who are attempting to change their drug use, and the power imbalance in the relationship involved, are obvious sources of concern.
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Interestingly, Bill Wilson was allegedly a notorious "womaniser", not only cheating on both his wives but actively pursuing sexual relationships with new AA members, to the point that his peers had to keep watch on his behaviour at meetings;
Dear Cathy
To my knowledge there seems to be no reliable data on AA membership, and I am not aware of any on 13-th stepping (other than your own).
If I may offer some ideas:
Reports on sexual predatory behaviour in 12-step fellowships tend to focus on males as predators. Anecdotes by long-time abstinent male members tell of frequent advances by female newcomers. It would be interesting to know more about this as well.
It would be interesting to know how 13th-stepping in AA compares to similar behaviour in other organisations, societies and the workplace. Ideally, any findings would be evaluated in the context of the attitudes in the general population and differences between cultures.
On gender and AA, this study might be of interest: "Does Alcoholics Anonymous work differently for men and women? A moderated multiple-mediation analysis in a large clinical sample." (Kelly & Hoeppner, 2012)
kind regards
Oliver
Thanks for your reply - you bring up some good points - in my paper on 13th stepping in AA, I do state that it is not always man-on-woman - a couple of women who responded to my survey made the same point. But you have given me a couple of angles that are well worth pursuing - again, my thanks! Cathy
Not to make things more complicated than they are, but here is a link to an interesting article: doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.01.022
Investigating gender differences in addiction trajectories is a relatively new field but I suspect that the suggestions made in the review have implications on behaviour in recovery.
best wishes
Oliver
That abstract looks very interesting Oliver, thanks. I'll have to chase up the full text.
Regards,
Paul.
Hurray for RG!
The full text is here;
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260110930_Sex_differences_in_the_neurobiology_of_drug_addiction
Paul.
Article Sex differences in the neurobiology of drug addiction
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