It would be interesting to have some real data on consequences of AA style therapy vs. any other methods. I thought I have read something about that, but without remembering any source, well …
I’m in the same boat—vaguely recall something, but not exactly what. And I can’t remember what the study was trying to isolate. Googling is alcoholics anonymous effective seems to suggest that it is not very effective, but that’s not comparing it to other methods.
Also, one would have to look at the end goal: abstinence or moderation. AA only has one option: abstinence. It does not allow for successful social drinking, but teaches only that an alcoholic cannot ever drink successfully.
I believed that about myself for a long time. I now think that in my younger days I had a lot of emotional issues and few tools. Having leveled out significantly as I’ve aged and as I’ve seen an increase in how I cope, I started doubting that I would use substances in a crutch or escape-like manner… and so far my doubts appear to have been justified.
It would be interesting to have some real data on consequences of AA style therapy vs. any other methods. I thought I have read something about that, but without remembering any source, well …
Have you had a look into such things once?
I’m in the same boat—vaguely recall something, but not exactly what. And I can’t remember what the study was trying to isolate. Googling is alcoholics anonymous effective seems to suggest that it is not very effective, but that’s not comparing it to other methods.
Also, one would have to look at the end goal: abstinence or moderation. AA only has one option: abstinence. It does not allow for successful social drinking, but teaches only that an alcoholic cannot ever drink successfully.
I believed that about myself for a long time. I now think that in my younger days I had a lot of emotional issues and few tools. Having leveled out significantly as I’ve aged and as I’ve seen an increase in how I cope, I started doubting that I would use substances in a crutch or escape-like manner… and so far my doubts appear to have been justified.