Helping others may help problem teens stay sober, research reveals

By Staff Writer

Millions of adolescents in America abuse alcoholic substances, which may lead to illegal drug use, severe emotional disorders or even death. Many alcoholics and addicts never recover from their disease because their treatment plan - or lack thereof - is ineffective.

A new study reveals that participating in community service activities and helping others can help addicts stay sober. Researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine examined the effects of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and found that members who became active and helped other addicts were more likely to remain sober.

The research includes a 2004 case study that followed recovering alcoholics for 12 months. A total of 40 percent of those participants who helped others during their recovery successfully avoided drinking by year's end, compared to only 22 percent of those who did not help others.

Furthermore, a similar study found that patients who had body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) - when a person is obsessively preoccupied with a perceived physical defect - were more likely to experience an improved self-image when they helped others recover from their emotional problems.

Adolescents who suffer from alcoholism or BDD may benefit from troubled teen programs, which aim to help individuals gain self-esteem.