How Effective Is A.A.??????

I belong to several addiction discussion groups on ‘LinkedIn.’ I really love (not really) when I see a discussion topic posted like the title of this blog.

Geez, talk about opening up Pandora’s Box! The discussion will usually start out fairly civil; at least for the first two or three comments anyway.

Then the ‘Ad Hominem Abusive’ (attacking the person rather than the argument) statements begin to roll. These people will try to veil their snide emotional remarks and comments with what they believe to be logical, rational statements.

They will quote statistics without reference, try to ‘impress’ the group discussion by citing their vast knowledge and experience. Others will go with the old narrow, “Well it worked for me” scenario.

Enough already people.

First of all, we know that A.A. does not take surveys or keep statistics on this type of information. Secondly, due to this fact, A.A. effectiveness cannot be viewed or measured on an “evidence based system.”

Therefore, effectiveness is of a subjective nature, not an empirically based one.

This is not to say that twelve step programs are not effective for many people – they are and can be. On the other hand, this does not mean they will work for everyone nor does it mean that they can be effective in and of themselves.

In a previous blog (http://willydrinkwater.blogspot.com/2012/04/substance-abuse-co-occurring-disorders.html) I mentioned the fact that I work primarily with those that have substance abuse coupled to co-occurring disorders; such as depression and bipolar disorder. Rarely will my clients benefit from traditional twelve step programs alone. Many will utilize them as their ‘base’ of recovery; however they may also be involved with individual & group therapies, twelve step programs such as DRA (dual recovery anonymous), nutrionists, psychopharmocologists, etc.

The question should be, “Is A.A. effective for the client; can it be effective for the client?”

Treatment plans should be ‘individualized.’ Not one size fits all, right? For instance, Cognitive Behavior Therapy does not conflict with A.A. As a matter of fact, in most instances it complements A.A. It can help a person to look at their value system and assist them in making needed changes.

Loyalty on the part of a therapist/counselor to a particular modality of treatment such as A.A. coupled to an indifference to the other modalities or mix of modalities can result in the client not being effectively served.

What is in the CLIENT’S BEST INTEREST.