Personal recovery for special populations: a qualitative study exploring the role of special interest meetings within 12-step fellowships

This study explores how Special Interest Meetings (SIMs), also called topic-specific meetings (e.g., meetings for young people), support recovery in 12-Step fellowships for Special Populations like young people, women and LGBTQIA+ members. Despite their emergence to address the needs of these groups, the specific ways Special Interest Meetings contribute to recovery experiences are understudied.

In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 participants who had attended Special Interest Meetings in 12-Step fellowships to explore the role of these meetings in recovery. The interviews were analysed using the CHIME-D personal recovery framework (Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning in life, Empowerment, Difficulties).

Special Interest Meetings serve as recovery pathways for Special Populations, incorporating CHIME-D elements to aid recovery and address challenges. This study found four "Special Population Pathways” for recovery: Traditional, Hybrid, SIM-Only, and Outside-Sim Hybrid Pathway.

Special Interest Meetings address specific challenges like discrimination and exclusion faced by Special Populations in recovery. These meetings offer tailored support, deeper connections, improved recovery outcomes, and a sense of empowerment. The existence of "Special Population Pathways” emphasises the ongoing need to address diverse individuals’ specific needs throughout the recovery process.