If someone is battling alcohol addiction, one treatment option that is often suggested is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This 12-step program is widely recognized by many people, as it has been in existence for decades. Many believe that by following the prescribed steps and complying with the changes required, they can obtain and maintain sobriety. While this works for some, it does not work for everyone. Just like with many other diseases, there is not one blanket solution; treating addiction is no different.
An article in Pacific Standard brings to light some of the issues that people have with this 12-step model. Dr. Lance Dodes, former director of Harvard’s substance use disorder treatment unit at McLean Hospital, notes in the article that “much of the research that under girds AA is a conflicted mess that confuses correlation with causation. It’s true that people with alcoholism who choose to attend AA regularly drink less than those who do not – but it’s not proven that making people attend works better than other options, including doing nothing.”
The Benefits of AA
This is not to say that there are no benefits of Alcoholics Anonymous. There are many people who find success using this program. The encouragement of building a social support network where people have others to turn to who understand the challenges they face can prove beneficial. They are not going through the journey alone and can learn from others who have found themselves in similar situations. Also, the article notes, it can give people a sense of meaning and purpose. This can help to keep driving them forward as they abstain from drinking.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a 12-step program with religious undertones. It centers on the belief that there is a higher power that controls everything and people must turn over their control to this power and accept that they will be led to a spiritual awakening. For those who are not very religious, they can have a hard time buying into this non-scientific approach. They would not expect such recommendations from a medical professional when dealing with any other type of disease. If they have a hard time accepting the basics of the program, this can make it more difficult to follow through and see results.
There is also the issue that addiction is commonly regarded as a moral failing in the AA program, while scientists have shown it to be a disease. Alcohol has the ability to change how the brain is wired and how it functions. Becoming sober is not necessarily just an act of willpower. For some, it runs much deeper than that. They need alternative forms of treatment to truly get to the root of their addiction and overcome it.
This program was developed more than 75 years ago, and scientists have made significant advances in research and medicine since that time. They have a deeper understanding of alcohol addiction and how it impacts the body and mind. In addition, many other non 12-step programs have emerged, such as SMART Recovery and one-on-one therapy. Some patients find that these approaches are a better fit for their beliefs, lifestyle, and situation.
Making a Choice
There is no right or wrong decision when it comes to recovery programs. It is up to each person to decide what works best for them. They may find that a combination of both 12-step and non 12-step treatment is the best option. Chapters offers its clients both types of programming so that they can decide which path they would like to follow. They are not forced into one direction or the other. To find out more about Chapters’ flexible and comprehensive approach to drug and alcohol addiction recovery, contact us today.
