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Addiction & Recovery

Fiendish Thingy

(18,827 posts)

11. Because of anonymity, the data on AA is unscientific and inconclusive

Reply to no_hypocrisy (Original post)

Fri Nov 17, 2023, 09:20 AM

Nov 2023

Lots of anecdotal self reports on efficacy, and many swear by the community and support AA provides, but the fact is 12 step alone doesn’t address underlying trauma and mental health issues often associated with addiction.

Addiction is a psycho-bio-social-spiritual disease.

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What are the chances of "recovery" if you attend Alcoholics Anonymous, [View all] no_hypocrisy Nov 2023 OP

Although I'm an atheist, I think that if all else has failed, it can't hurt to try. Croney Nov 2023 #1

I've known... Mike Nelson Nov 2023 #2

Thanks, that's what I thought. no_hypocrisy Nov 2023 #3

Right elleng Dec 2023 #27

You said it best. They have to want to quit, otherwise, nothing is going to work. And there is no 'magic pill' or SWBTATTReg Dec 2023 #32

Does my work for Atheist. multigraincracker Nov 2023 #4

My point: regardless of whether the organization is religious or secular, no_hypocrisy Nov 2023 #6

To answer your question, "yes" RainCaster Feb 2024 #38

I don't think AA is for everyone, though. zanana1 Feb 2024 #39

No, You do not have to have a Higher Power". That is up to you. Stuart G Nov 2023 #21

Yes, I've read that a person's chance of quitting Haggard Celine Dec 2023 #29

worth a shot DoBW Nov 2023 #5

Recovery is a lifetime thing mymomwasright Nov 2023 #7

Step One PJMcK Nov 2023 #8

First step is that you are powerless over alcohol and your life cally Nov 2023 #17

As a former board member and chair gibraltar72 Nov 2023 #9

Thank you. no_hypocrisy Nov 2023 #10

Assuming that one day he does get into recovery. raccoon Dec 2023 #26

Because of anonymity, the data on AA is unscientific and inconclusive Fiendish Thingy Nov 2023 #11

AA isn't for everyone bif Nov 2023 #12

Worked for an atheist friend of mine. For him, it was about the fellowship he found there. Midnight Writer Nov 2023 #13

Not about AA no_hypocrisy Nov 2023 #14

Here's my story bif Nov 2023 #15

The rate of recovery in AA is... Jacson6 Nov 2023 #16

Where did you get these statistic? cally Nov 2023 #18

Real stata Timewas Dec 2023 #34

I go to AA meetings at a couple of churches, religion isn't involved, AA just rents the space Rhiannon12866 Nov 2023 #19

When I started Overeates Anonymous, I weighed about 215 Pounds. I lost about 60 pounds and kept it off for 40 years. Stuart G Nov 2023 #20

I've been to OA meetings, went there with my AA sponsor. I actually had the opposite problem, when I drank, I didn't eat Rhiannon12866 Nov 2023 #22

You have said it correctly, " And what anyone chooses to believe is up to the individual." That is it, and "ALL OF IT." Stuart G Nov 2023 #23

Thank you - and I credit my sponsor who I met at my second meeting, she stuck with me and advised me what to do Rhiannon12866 Nov 2023 #24

Well said. Thx! DEbluedude Dec 2023 #36

Better than if you don't RainCaster Dec 2023 #25

Going for any reason is better than nothing questionseverything Dec 2023 #28

It Is The Best Timewas Dec 2023 #30

A companion can be a 12-step sponsor but not the Higher Power Ponietz Dec 2023 #31

No one will quit until they decide, truly, and on their own, that they are ready happybird Dec 2023 #33

AA ecovery rates have always been higher than clinical therapy settings. Irish_Dem Dec 2023 #35

I quit drinking when I got to the point that I hated being drunk more than being sober. Chainfire Dec 2023 #37