Is Alcoholics Anonymous more effective than Cognitve Behavioral Therapy?

Question

Much debate exists about which model is more effective in treating the problem of drug addiction. Some say AA is the only treatment that "works" while others choose the more human friendly non-religious CBT. AA uses rigid spiritual concepts based on their 12 steps and conducts their AA meetings on strict formats that were written seven decades ago. In AA "labels" like alcoholic are used which still holds a high degree of social stigmatism. Cognitive Behaviour programs like SMART (self-management and rehab treatment) sees substance abuse as a behaviour that can be changed, not a disease. CBT self-help methods are solidly based in comtemporary science and open discussions are encouraged. AA tells it members and "newcomers" that they need to find a higher power or god and relying on "self will" is bad and will lead to relapse.

If you were having problems with drugs, which would you choose for help, AA or CBT?

Answer 1

What works?: http://www.behaviortherapy.com/whatworks.htm

Cognitive Therapy yields better results.

Almost anything works better that AA. 5% quit drinking with AA or with no treatment at all, but AA has a MORTALITY rate 4 times higher.

Common sense tells me if two treatments had the same results, but one was more likely to kill me, I'd opt for the other.

Answer 2

I don't personally believe that AA is more effective that ANYTHING. This is only my opinion (though, it is backed up by some research on the subject and a lot of real life observation). But I think the only reason people think AA "works" is because:

1. Members concentrate on doing something besides drinking.
2. Members keep the fact that alcohol is a problem for them on the forfront of their minds.

There are lots of other ways to accomplish these two things without joining a group that many people find ineffective and sometimes even harmful.

I don't know that CBT is more effective in long term abstinaince or otherwise solving a drinking/drug problem. But I do believe that it's necessary to change the way you think in order to do so. I would think CBT would be just as effective if not MORE effective than AA at accomplishing this.

Answer 3

a harvard study concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy for depression was effective only in the short run. the study stated that psychodynamic therapy was more effective in the long run because it deals with the underlying causes of the depression. the thought is that behaviors change with knowledge. "making the unconscious, conscious. the individual can then make a choice about how they want to respond to life, stressors, ect
cognitive behavioral only deals with the cognitive restructuring not the root cause of the behaviors. Carl Jung was instrumental in the development of the 12 step program,. his research indicated that for and individual to sucessfully overcome an addiction there had to be a spiritual experience. carl jung was a student of freud and so there are some elements of psychodynamic therapy within the program such as the very important 4th step which requires a moral inventory. I would choose AA it costs less and has a better success rate

Answer 4

I think AA works for alot of people but they think anyone whoever got drunk is an alcoholic. I went because I was told to by a court and I thought they were all full of ****. As soon as I wasnt' required to go any more, I quit. I still haven't drank in over three years but is was because I didnt want to, not because AA did anything for me

Answer 5

For all purposes, let me ask: did you know that alcohol is also a drug.? If I have a a problem with drug addiction, I certainly would opt for CBT because it seem that CBT zeroes in on the problem. The self motivation to modify one's behavior has to come from the drug addict.

Answer 6

I have a friend that hit rock bottom before he would try to help himself.AA may be a bit outdated but their concepts still work- at least they did for my buddy.I don't know enough about CBT to make a call on it.I guess it comes down to what sort of treatment the individual prefers.

Answer 7

AA is a bunch of BULLSH!T its nothing but a bunch of drunks leaning on each other trading one crutch for another you dont need them or a "higher power"its like another form of brainwashing

Answer 8

I think it depends on the person.