Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the most well known alcohol rehab programs in the United States and yet some experts are questioning its effectiveness despite the widely held belief that this 12 step program is effective.
According to many sources there are more than 10 million alcoholics in the United States. The current membership of Alcoholics Anonymous stands at only 700,000 admitted alcoholics. This is roughly 7% of potential members enrolled in the program. This short coming is startling when you consider their massive head start over other alcohol rehab programs in that they had a near monopoly since their inception in 1935.
And yet 4 out of 5 people who go to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings soon drop out.
According to Jerry Dorsman of Maryland's Cecil County Department of Health, only 12% of members remain in the program for more than three years. Other researchers consider 12% to be a highly optimistic figure.
When considered in the light of the total number of alcoholics in the United States Alcoholics Anonymous has a success rate is between 1.2% and 2.4%. Consider also the fact that 45% of the people who attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings never return after their first meeting and 95% never return after the first year.
Figures like these led Jeffery Schaler, author, editor and therapist to claim that while many believe Alcoholics Anonymous is an effective alcohol rehabilitation program, "There is no evidence to support this claim."
But what are the other options?
According to many authorities most successful treatments are non-confrontational approaches that create the desire to change in the individual with the drinking problem.
It starts by building the individuals awareness of their problem and its effects. This can be done through Alcoholic Self Assessment Tests or through direct intervention, which could be no more threatening than a review of the amount an individual drinks during a given period.
Once the extent of the drinking problem has been established a set goal of reducing the number of alcoholic drinks is agreed upon rather than complete abstinence. A regular structured review of the patients progress can be, and often is reinforced by other positive motivators such as self help manuals and personal reflection on the contradictory nature of their desire to drink and their view of their problems.
The focus of true alcoholic rehabilitation comes with an awareness of the individuals own desire to change and the discovery that they have the strength to do so without turning to the bottle.
People change when they are ready. Helping people become aware of their drinking problem and its effect on their life and the lives of those around them is a huge step towards alcoholic rehabilitation. Confidential Self Assessment Tests are a great tool for someone who isn't quite ready to even begin thinking about approaching a counselor or group.
