Cell phone aids recovery process for alcoholics

Cell phones are becoming valuable tools for recovering alcoholics to stay sober, new research shows.

A study of Alcoholics Anonymous members indicates that while face-to-face interaction is still the predominant means for recovery-related communication in the AA program— since emphasis is placed on regular attendance—cell phones are becoming helpful in the recovery process.

“It is clear from these data that mobile phone use has not replaced face-to-face or landline telephone interaction in these recovery support networks, but rather it provides an important supplemental means for connecting with others in the program,” said Scott Campbell, assistant professor and Pohs Fellow of Telecommunications in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Michigan. His co-author of the study, Michael Kelley, is an associate professor of psychology at Hawaii Pacific University.

The study, which appears in the May issue of the Journal of Applied Communication Research, explored the role of cell phones within social networks of Alcoholics Anonymous. A sample of 123 cell phone owners and non-owners were asked their perceptions and uses of the technology.

Participants in the study reported that more than two-thirds of their total cell phone use involved recovery-related communication. The technology is ideal because individuals can reach one another at times and places where access was previously not available. “They are taking advantage of these relatively new opportunities in ways that are useful to both their own recovery and the recovery of others,” the authors said.

Participants reported that face-to-face communication and cell phone use were the top methods of communication for recovery purposes, followed by use of the landline telephone and the Internet.

Most cell phone owners in the study—89 percent—thought the technology to be helpful in the recovery process. The participants especially used the cell phone for expressive purposes, such as talking about personal issues, but also found it very helpful for instrumental purposes, such as making arrangements with others for recovery-related meetings, the research showed.

The study included responses from a minority segment of AA members who did not own cell phones, but still believed the technology would be a useful resource for addiction recovery. When asked why they didn’t own a cell phone, 81 percent said it was due to financial reasons.

The researchers said the findings indicate the cell phone might be a helpful tool for other recovery-related support networks. However, additional research is needed to understand the potentially negative consequences of cell phone ownership and use in addiction recovery, Campbell and Kelley warned. For example, pagers and cell phones have notoriously been used to buy and sell controlled substances.

Journal of Applied Communication Research