A new study published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Review says that the Alcoholics Anonymous program is the most effective way to treat alcohol abuse. The researchers said people who complete the organization’s 12-step program have better success at abstinence as well as relationships with family members and friends. They add that Alcoholics Anonymous is free and doesn’t require making appointments or filling out insurance forms.
Keith Humphreys, PhD, one of the study’s authors and a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University, acknowledges he was once one of the many medical professionals skeptical of the effectiveness of AA. But as years went on, Humphreys noticed that his patients who were most successful in sobriety all had AA in common. So, he changed his view and hopes the release of this study helps others do the same. Humphreys and his co-authors chose to publish in Cochrane, he says, to drive home the importance of the results.
What the study revealed
Humphreys’ team evaluated 35 studies involving the work of 145 scientists and the outcomes of more than 10,000 participants. They found that long-term patient outcomes were better across the board when AA was part of treatment.
“I spent a lot of time in my first research project following up former patients and was struck at the pattern I observed: The ones who got connected to 12-step groups were simply doing a lot better, not just in terms of stopping substance use but also in having better relationships with their families and feeling more fulfilled in life,” he said.
The benefits of AA counseling
Suzanne, a healthcare professional who overcame addiction and will soon celebrate 10 years of sobriety, isn’t surprised by the study’s conclusions. Suzanne says she tried both counseling and AA over the years and found AA was, for her, the best fit with the best results. “A big part of it is, to put it bluntly: no bullshit,” she said.
“Mind you, a therapist is great,” Suzanne added. “I think everyone should have one. But therapy is only as good as what you give them. If you spin it, you might not get called out. AA is all about peer pressure, positive peer pressure.” Besides, it’s free and always has an “open appointment,” so to speak.
“Addiction is a chronic disorder, and no matter what kind of help people seek, they often take two steps forward and one step back until they get into stable recovery,” he said. “In AA, this is easier than it is for professional treatment because you don’t have to fill out any forms or get your insurance company to say it’s OK. You can just pick yourself up and give it another go whenever you want,” Humphreys said.
