Linking treatment centers with alcoholics anonymous.

Research has explored professional relationships with mutual-help groups but has not paid specific attention to professional coordination with Alcoholics Anonymous. This study surveyed by mail and by means of personal interview professionals and members of A.A. Thirty-six centers reported good relationships with A.A., although some professionals evaluated cooperation as better than did A.A. members. Six centers refrained from cooperating with A.A. Respondents shared methods of coordination and recommended linking practices. Good relationships with A.A. existed when professionals interacted frequently with the fellowship and where these interactions followed certain patterns of activity.