Alcoholics Anonymous-Related Helping and the Helper Therapy Principle

Abstract

The helper therapy principle (HTP) observes the helper's health benefits derived from helping another with a shared malady. The HTP is embodied by the program of Alcoholics Anonymous as a method to diminish egocentrism as a root cause of addiction. This article reviews recent evidence of the HTP in alcohol populations, extends to populations with chronic conditions beyond addiction, and concludes with new directions of empirical inquiry.

Keywords: 12-Step programs; AA-related helping; Service; substance use disorders.

Conflict of interest statement

In the spirit of full disclosure and in compliance with all (ACCME) Essential Areas and Policies, the faculty for this Continuing Medical Education article were asked to complete a statement regarding all relevant financial relationships between themselves or their spouse/partner and any commercial interest (i.e., any proprietary entity producing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients) existing within the 12 months prior to completion of this article. The CME Institute has resolved any conflicts of interest that were identified. The disclosures are as follows: The authors have no relevant personal affiliations or financial relationships with any proprietary entity producing health care good consumed by, or used on, patients to disclose in connection with this article.