Twelve-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer inexpensive and highly accessible support for individuals attempting to abstain from using addictive substances. Most chemical dependency treatment programs in the United States refer patients to AA or NA as an adjunct to treatment or as a form of aftercare. Despite compelling evidence that affiliation with twelve-step organizations is associated with reduced alcohol or drug use, many individuals either drop out or do not participate at sufficient levels to benefit. A 15-item Survey of Readiness for Alcoholics Anonymous Participation (SYRAAP) was developed to assess attitudes that may promote or interfere with twelve-step program affiliation. In this study, adult patients (N = 144) entering an intensive outpatient program were administered the SYRAAP upon admission to assess the extent to which scores predicted performance in a twelve-step based treatment program. Bivariate and multivariate analyses indicated that scores on the SYRAAP demonstrated significant positive associations with length of stay and treatment completion, thereby establishing the instrument as predictive of performance in a twelve step-based treatment program. The limitations of the study and the potential for future use of the instrument are presented
