Faith, Recovery, and the Law: Navigating Religion in AA-Based Court Diversion Programs

• In Event: Treating Justice-Involved Persons for Substance Use and Misuse

Abstract

Mandating attendance in alcohol recovery programs is a common diversionary practice for alcohol-related criminal offenses, often involving court-ordered participation in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA is widely chosen due to its accessibility, cost-free nature, and established partnerships with courts to verify attendance. However, AA’s origins as a Christian organization, combined with its use of medical terminology to frame alcoholism, have resulted in a treatment approach that views alcohol abuse as both a medical and spiritual condition. Some states have recognized the religiosity of AA as a potential legal concern, requiring courts to offer secular treatment options for defendants who prefer non-faith-based programs. Through 60 in-depth interviews, this study explores whether AA’s religious elements significantly shape the treatment experience and whether they pose barriers to recovery. Findings reveal that participants generally fall into three categories: 1) those who view religion as central to their recovery; 2) those who initially resisted organized religion but eventually adapted spirituality to fit their personal beliefs; and 3) those who found religion and spirituality unappealing, requiring them to disregard or reject the religious aspects of recovery programs. These findings highlight the pivotal role of religion in court-ordered AA-based recovery.

Author

• Asa Iacobucci, Bridgewater State University