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Best Recovery Team: AA And Treatment Together

Given the complex and highly individualized nature of alcohol dependence, there does not appear to be one “right” treatment for alcoholism. Some people choose Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and some undergo professional treatment. A new study has found that people who become involved in both AA and treatment fare better than those who obtain only treatment.

Researchers surveyed 362 individuals (193 females, 169 males) who had initial contact with an alcoholism treatment system for their alcohol-use disorder. Study participants were surveyed at baseline (initial contact) and then again at one, three, eight and 16 years later.

Compared with those who participated only in professional treatment in the first year after initial contact for help, those who participated in professional treatment and AA together were more likely to achieve remission, whereas individuals who entered treatment only and delayed participation in AA did not appear to obtain any additional benefits from AA.

(Moos, RH, Moos, BS: Paths of entry into Alcoholics Anonymous: Consequences for participation and remission. Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research 29:1858-1868, 2005).

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