Twelve Steps and Talanoa: An Exploratory Study of the Experiences of Pacific Peoples in New Zealand Twelve Step Programmes

Abstract

Fewer Pacific peoples in New Zealand with substance use disorder access addictions services than the general population. This study explored the experiences of six Pacific peoples in Twelve Step Programmes via face-to-face semi-structured talanoa-style interviews. Four themes emerged from the data: Inadequate preparation and orientation, Communal nature, Resonance with Pacific practices, and Eurocentric and gendered nature, highlighting issues related to the lack of gendered spaces and Pacific-specific subgroups. Fellowship and connectedness were considered helpful. The findings increase understanding of issues faced by Pacific peoples in addictions recovery support and can inform future research to develop effective addictions interventions for Pacific peoples in Western countries.