Who participates in the 'Celebrate Recovery' mutual-help organization? Results from a National US Investigation.

Abstract

Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a new, rapidly growing mutual-help organization (MHO) based on Christian principles and is the largest religious MHO in the US. However, very little is known about CR empirically. Secondary data analysis of the National Recovery Study (NRS) (Kelly et al., 2017) compared CR attendees to lifetime MHO attendees with non-CR attendance on survey-weighted estimates of 1) demographic and substance use characteristics, 2) treatment and recovery support service histories, and 3) current recovery-related functioning. Compared to non-CR MHO participants (49 years), the mean age for CR participants (43 years) was younger (d = -0.32; p = 0.008). Relative to participants with alcohol as their primary substance, participants identifying methamphetamines as their primary substance had 5.12 times greater odds of being in CR versus non-CR MHO (p = 0.002). Participants reporting 15 +  years (vs. 0-5 years) since alcohol/drug problem resolution had 60 % lower odds of being in CR versus non-CR MHO (p = 0.029). Participants attending other faith-based recovery meetings had 11 times greater odds of being in CR than non-CR MHOs (p < 0.001). CR and non-CR MHO participants did not differ in current quality of life, happiness, self-esteem, psychological distress, and recovery capital. Compared to non-CR MHO attendees, CR attendees may be slightly younger and earlier in their recovery, have primary stimulant drug problems, and are more likely to have tried other faith-based services. CR's widespread and growing availability suggests it may offer an alternative recovery support resource, particularly for Christians.