Delabeling and relabeling in Gamblers Anonymous: Problems with transferring the Alcoholics Anonymous paradigm

Abstract

Exploratory data from both structured and unstructured interviews with members of Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous, as well as additional data from previous observations, suggest that the recovery rate of A.A. is higher than that of G.A.. Since the programs are virtually the same an examination of the social context of the labeling process reveals that the more readily available use of the medical model for both the alcoholic and the significant others of the alcoholic are likely significant differences between the compulsive gambler and the compulsive drinker. © 1985 Human Sciences Press.