You really do have personal power over alcohol. But AA teaches that we don’t. And those who believe it really do have less power as a result. It’s a self-fulfilling prophesy. Yet remember that you do have power over it.
Here’s proof. A federal agency (NIAAA) conducted nation-wide research. It looked only at people who had a diagnosis of alcohol dependent. (That’s the new term for alcoholic.)
The NIAAA found that 75% of alcoholics are now abstaining, drinking in moderation, or have reduced their drinking. These were all confirmed alcoholics. Also, very few of them had any outside help in changing their drinking.
AA Success Rate
The success of AA is much lower than that of not attending AA. In fact, only about one of every 20 members is sober after one year. That’s a 95% failure rate. This is shown by research around the world. In fact, if AA were a medicine, the FDA would never approve it.
For most people attending AA is worse than not. It inhibits the ability of most people to overcome alcohol abuse. AA teaches people that they
- Are powerless over alcohol.
- Suffer from an incurable disease.
- Have “loss of control.”
- Are allergic to alcohol.
- Must surrender to the will of God or a Higher Power.
- Can never drink any alcohol for the rest of their lives.
The scientific evidence is inconsistent with the teachings of AA and other 12-step groups. It has been growing for decades and shouldn’t be ignored. And not by anyone seeking help for their drinking problem.
Alternatives
There are many effective alternatives to AA. They increase your power over alcohol. Here are some alternatives to AA..
HAMS (Alcohol Harm Reduction)
SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training).
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS).
These programs are all based on scientific evidence and principles.That enhance their effectiveness. People can use these to achieve the goal of their choice. That is, either moderation or abstinence.
Many people choose these programs. They avoid the travel, disruption of their lives, lack of privacy, and great expense of rehabs.