Related Experiment Videos
Alcoholics Anonymous and 12-step alcoholism treatment programs
1Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA.
Recent Developments in Alcoholism : an Official Publication of the American Medical Society on Alcoholism, the Research Society on Alcoholism, and the National Council on Alcoholism
|March 18, 2003
Summary
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and 12-step programs significantly reduce substance abuse and psychiatric issues, lowering healthcare costs. Future research should enhance study designs and participant diversity for clearer conclusions on these effective interventions.
Area of Science:
- Addiction research
- Public health interventions
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a primary resource for alcohol problems in the US.
- AA's principles influence many professional addiction treatment programs.
- Limited longitudinal studies exist on AA and 12-step treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing research on Alcoholics Anonymous and 12-step treatment programs.
- To identify the effectiveness and cost-saving implications of these interventions.
- To recommend future research directions for a comprehensive understanding.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing longitudinal, comparative outcome studies.
- Analysis of naturalistic, quasi-experimental, and experimental research.
- Examination of evaluation studies on intervention processes.
Main Results:
- Participation in AA and 12-step treatment is linked to reduced substance abuse and psychiatric problems.
- These interventions demonstrate significant long-term healthcare cost reductions.
- Evaluation studies are beginning to clarify the mechanisms of action for these programs.
Conclusions:
- AA and 12-step programs are effective in reducing addiction and associated problems.
- These interventions offer substantial healthcare cost benefits.
- Future research needs methodological improvements, diverse samples, and larger statistical power.