Moderating Alcohol Abuse: An AA Alternative Approach In Outpatient Alcoholism Treatment

By Dr. Ed Wilson and Dr. Mary Ellen Barnes

The Answer Isn't the One You Expected to Hear…

Did you know that the real research has shown that many "alcoholics" actually return to moderate drinking every year? If you think about your own friends and acquaintances you'll probably remember any number of them who went through periods of alcohol and drug abuse, but who got over it.

You're not alone in your impressions. For decades the research, both formal studies and informal observations, has shown that some alcoholics can return to moderate or controlled drinking, and that many do.

Beyond 12-Steps

By Maia Szalavitz for MSN Health & Fitness

Although addiction and alcoholism treatment research has advanced tremendously since Alcoholics anonymous was founded in 1935, many people do not know that equally effective alternatives to 12-step programs exist-nor do they know how to find them. In popular culture, AA is often portrayed as the only way.

Worse, while reality TV spotlights tough family "interventions" as a way of getting people to enter treatment and often shows rehab as a "boot camp" or exercise in humiliation, research finds that both these approaches have significant risks, and other less risky tactics have equivalent or superior benefits.

So, how can you find evidence-based addiction and alcoholism treatment for yourself or a loved one instead of-or as an addition to-12-step approaches? Here are five "dos" and five "don'ts" that can guide you to the best treatment.

Finding The Alcoholism Treatment Program That's Right For You: AA and 12 Step Alternatives

By Dr. Ed Wilson and Dr. Mary Ellen Barnes

Do You Want A Life Long Disease And Label And To Be In Recovery Forever?

Your first decision will be based on how you decide to view yourself and your relationship with alcohol. 95% of all U.S. treatment programs follow the AA/12-Step, so-called "Minnesota Model." The first "Step" is admitting you are powerless over alcohol. Believing this is also the #1 predictor of relapse.

You will also be signing up for maintaining alcohol as the primary focus for the rest of your life, attending meeting forever, and having a 95% chance of relapsing.