Editing Alcoholics Anonymous (section)

===13th-step and sexual advances ===
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'''"Thirteenth-stepping"''' is a term used to describe a predatory behavior in AA where some individuals exploit vulnerable members for sexual relationships. This can involve unwanted advances and harassment, often targeting newer members who may be more susceptible due to their recovery status.<ref>{{Cite web |title=After the 12-Step Program, Avoid the Dangerous Step 13 {{!}} Psychology Today |url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dating-and-mating/202307/after-the-12-step-program-avoid-the-dangerous-13th-step |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=www.psychologytoday.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2003, a study in the ''Journal of Addiction Nursing'' sampled 55 women in AA and found that 35% of these women had experienced a "pass" and 29% had felt seduced at least once in AA settings. This has also happened with new male members who received guidance from older female AA members pursuing sexual company. The authors suggest that both men and women must be prepared for this behavior or find male or female-only groups.<ref name="BOGART2003">{{cite journal |journal=Journal of Addictions Nursing: A Journal for the Prevention and Management of Addictions |title='13th-Stepping:' Why Alcoholics Anonymous Is Not Always a Safe Place for Women |last1=Bogart |first1=Cathy J. |year=2003 |volume=14 |issue=1 |pages=43–47 |doi=10.1080/10884600305373 |issn=1548-7148 |oclc=34618968 |last2=Bogart |first2=Cathy J.|s2cid=144935254 }}</ref>

==== Response ====
As of 2010, women-only meetings are a very prevalent part of AA culture, and AA has become more welcoming for women.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.1080/15560350903543766|title=Acknowledging Gender in Women-Only Meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous|journal=Journal of Groups in Addiction & Recovery|volume=5|pages=17–33|year=2010|last1=Sanders|first1=Jolene M.|s2cid=144776540|quote=AA has evolved in a dialectical fashion to become more accommodating to women}}</ref> AA's pamphlet on sponsorship suggests that men be sponsored by men and women be sponsored by women.<ref>Questions and Answers on Sponsorship, page 10. 2005.</ref> AA also has a safety flier which states that "Unwanted sexual advances and predatory behaviors are in conflict with carrying the AA message of recovery".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aa.org/safety-and-aa-flyer|title=Safety and A.A. Flyer|publisher=Alcoholics Anonymous World Services}}</ref>