This is not a thorough review of the literature on AA effectiveness. For example, we did not keep track of the number of relevant studies located, nor of the relative Substance abuse numbers of studies with positive versus negative findings for AA or TSF effectiveness. However, we did take care to present any study where the effect of AA was negative. The goal was not to provide an exhaustive review of the evidence, but rather to present representative studies that address AA effectiveness according to six accepted criterion for establishing scientific causation.
Representative studies were selected and are presented for each criterion. All located studies reporting a negative role for AA in abstinence are reported, and no studies with negative findings have intentionally been excluded. In the interest of brevity and clarity, many studies with positive findings for AA, and several small 12-step facilitation studies with mixed =https://ecosoberhouse.com/ results among subgroups, have been excluded. The objective was not to provide still another exhaustive literature review on AA effectiveness, but instead to present representative studies of AA effectiveness according to the criterion for establishing causation.
Each group has but one primary purpose – to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers. alcoholics anonymous Often, the next step is to read a passage from the Big Book and reinforcement about the importance of member privacy and anonymity. Meetings typically close with a prayer, moment of silence, recitation of the Responsibility Statement, or by reading a section of another A.A.
You can also find an alcohol rehab using our directory or contact an admissions navigator 24/7 when you call . They can answer your questions, discuss treatment options, and help you begin the admissions process once you’re ready. The AA Big Book also includes the 12-Steps of AA to provide guidance and support to people looking to achieve and maintain sobriety through the AA fellowship. Meetings aren’t based on a specific religion, they do include spiritual aspects. For some, these aspects of the program can be a stumbling block. The Central Office is also fully self-supporting through the sale of literature and member contributions.
Sobriety coins, also known as sobriety chips, are tokens given to members of AA to signify the duration of their sobriety. While the chip system is common, it is not universally adopted across all AA groups. In recent years, online meetings have become popular, allowing members to connect virtually through platforms like Zoom and What’s App. Offline or in-person meetings, often referred to as “brick and mortar” meetings, take place in physical locations, and some groups even host hybrid meetings, enabling participants to attend either in person or virtually. AA has faced criticism for various reasons. Critics have questioned its overall success rate, and others have criticized the religious or what they see as cult-like aspects of its program.
Some studies combined alcohol and drug abstinence, or considered 12-step group attendance which would have included Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and other 12-step groups for drugs (in addition to AA). This is reflected in the figure titles and in the text. Results from studies that did not report rates of abstinence are not shown. The study sample(s) and citation(s) are summarized at the bottom of each figure.
Meetings may cater to specific demographics, but they generally welcome anyone who desires to stop drinking. AA is self-supporting, with donations from members covering expenses, and it operates through an “inverted pyramid” structure, where individual groups function autonomously. The organization does not accept outside contributions and relies heavily on literature sales. The third trial randomized VA outpatients to an intensive 12-step referral condition or to standard AA referral 24, finding significantly higher rates of total abstinence (from alcohol and drugs) at both the 6- and 12-month follow-ups for the intensive referral condition (Figure 4c). Higher AA/NA involvement in the intensive referral condition fully mediated the condition effect on abstinence, but AA participation predicted abstinence regardless of condition.