Alcoholics Anonymous Success

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Alcoholics Anonymous success, from a scientific research perspective, is not clearly definable.  In a word, some of the research studies support the value of the Alcoholics Anonymous program while other research findings question its effectiveness.

Alcoholics Anonymous Success and Religious Values

Some Alcoholics Anonymous members believe that Alcoholics Anonymous success is rooted in the sense of support its members experience from attending regular meetings.

Other members, as well as the Alcoholics Anonymous literature, however, point to treatment success (sobriety) that has its foundation in the spiritual awakening members experience when they apply the Twelve Steps. In fact, the process of working through the 12 Steps is sometimes summed up as "Trust God, clean house, and help others."

There has also been some criticism that Alcoholics Anonymous is a type of religious cult. This criticism, however, lacks validity due to the fact that Alcoholics Anonymous members cannot be compelled to do or believe anything. In fact, Alcoholics Anonymous members are free to join or leave the organization any time they desire.

There is debate in some areas of rehabilitation theory and practice regarding the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous and whether other treatment approaches to alcohol dependency might work better.  In fact, in some therapeutic communities, the Alcoholics Anonymous program has fallen out of favor, often due to the belief by some that the Alcoholics Anonymous treatment approach imposes questionable religious norms and values on members. 

This issue is often brought to the forefront in hospital and rehabilitation facilities where the allotment of government funds is at stake.  Despite these and other controversies, Alcoholics Anonymous remains the primary form of treatment for alcoholism in the United States.

Alcoholics Anonymous: Effective For Many Alcoholics

While there evidence that Alcoholics Anonymous has worked effectively for many alcoholics, it is fair to say that Alcoholics Anonymous does not provide a viable mode of treatment for every alcoholic or perhaps for most alcoholics. 

This fact has long been recognized by Alcoholics Anonymous: "Alcoholics Anonymous works best for alcoholics who are willing and able to ground their recovery on a spiritual basis, however this concept is defined by each person."

Alcoholics Anonymous Success:  Conclusion

From a scientific vantage point, "Alcoholics Anonymous success" is not clearly verifiable.  In short, some of the research findings support the value of the Alcoholics Anonymous program while other research studies question its effectiveness.

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