TABLE 2.

Prominent Factors That May Represent Barriers to 12-Step Involvement

Fluctuations in readiness and commitment to change High degree of spirituality or perceived religiosity, especially for individuals who are atheist or agnostic The need to surrender The sense of powerlessness Lack of compatibility between personal and treatment belief systems and philosophies Lack of comfort or perceived support in the group, due to membership in a special population (e.g., women, ethnic minorities, youth, dual disorders, sexual orientation) Social phobia or social anxiety