A First Description of Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous Members in Greece: Prior Treatment History and Opinions about Professionals

Abstract

Although the self-help groups of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in Greece have existed for more than twenty years, research on them in Greece is limited. This first study was conducted September 2005- anuary 2006 in Athens, Thessaloniki, Serres, Nafplio, Iraklio and Katerini. The research gives a profile of the people who participate in the groups of NA and AA. Specifically, this article presents an analysis of answers concerning efforts for recovery; the kinds of help people receive, their unmet needs and their attitudes towards professionals in the field of addiction. Our final sample in this study was 22 members of the groups of AA and 60 members of NA. These findings are compared with data provided by the central organizations of AA and NA as well as by official therapeutic programs in Greece and by other researchers who have studied the same subject. The results indicate that there are needs which the groups of AA and NA do not cover. Critical attitudes towards professionals show the need for information and inter-communication between the interested sides.