EFFECTIVENESS OF ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS(AA) IN MAINTAINING ABSTINENCE AMONG INDIVIDUALS ATTENDING ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS IN SELECTED GROUPS AT COIMBATORE: AN QUASI EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Alcohol dependence is a major public health concern requiring effective interventions to support sustained abstinence. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a widely recognized peer-support program that helps individuals maintain sobriety. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of AA in maintaining abstinence among individuals attending selected AA groups in Coimbatore.A quantitative quasi- experimental research design with a one-group pre-test and post-test approach was adopted. A total of 60 participants were selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. The SOCRATES 8A questionnaire was used to assess the level of alcohol dependence. Pre-test data were collected before the intervention. Participants attended AA group sessions for 90 minutes daily over a period of 30 consecutive days. Post-test assessment was conducted on the 31st day using the same tool. The mean pre-test score was 68.6 (SD = 14.7), while the mean post-test score decreased to 13.5, with a mean difference of 55.1. Statistical analysis using a paired t-test revealed a significant reduction in alcohol dependence scores (t = 26, p < 0.05).The findings indicate that AA participation was effective in reducing alcohol dependence levels over a short duration. However, further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are recommended to assess long-term effectiveness.