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AA Is An Option For Sobriety — But Never The Only Option
Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith established Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935 and published the AA Big Book in 1939.
Since then, AA and its 12-step method have been the most well-known support group for sobriety and generally the first place (or only place) people think to go when seeking help.
It’s also the one used by most court systems for alcohol-related offenses and is the foundational program of 90% of the rehabs in the US.
This is a big issue. I’ll explain why.
The program of AA famously states “It works if you work it,” but no evidence or data backs up that ambiguous claim. AA’s success rates tell a very different story.
AA has worked for many — this is true.
But…
By AA’s admission, only 8–12% of people who enter AA’s church basements and meeting rooms remain sober, which is a paltry number by any measure.
Millions of people seek help for alcohol addiction — but few know of the other options available besides AA.
Therein lies the problem.
Where do you go when you’re part of the 88–92% that AA doesn’t work for?
