Quote Originally Posted by BetCheckBet View Post
Quote Originally Posted by limitles View Post

I just heard results of a scientic study that showed AA to be as effective as going solo.
It said that the majority of newcomers don't make it to a third meeting.
Problem being the substance abuse is often not the core issue.
Worked for my brother though.
I work in the area so I feel qualified to comment. Yes AA and NA have shoddy evidence . That is in part because there haven't been studies and how groups are run vary widely. They are run by non professionals also. That being said there is evidence that they work very well in conjunction with individual therapy.

Some of my most successful clients have been into AA and NA big time. I think the big problem is that people think these groups are treatment when in reality they are more of a self help/support group. They are also great for people who have very low levels of social support or few sober friends.
No offense, but if you think AA is not functional and you are in the treatment business, its likely safe to assume you have a professional agenda. Everyone that goes to AA/NA and does not visit you, means money out of your industry. It's the age old battle between AA groups and treatment centers.

Yes, AA is run by non professionals / volunteers (ex drunks and addicts) and I was at meetings over time that candidly were dicey. In one particular meeting there was a guy running the meeting because the normal host did not show up. He was basically a doper and he very well might have been strung out. He had no business running a meeting and probably chased off some people. He was simply bizarre talking about shooting up outside a motel room, keep in mind this was AA not NA.

Anyway, I get your point, anything run by volunteers can get sketchy. But in my years in AA (and its been since 2010 since I went), most meetings were therapeutic. For no other reason it kept me occupied and away from the liquor store and casino.