2007-03-14 11:45:15 · 6 answers · asked by "L" 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I am an AA member with 8 1/2 years sobriety as a result of my participation in the program, so hopefully I have some credibility here.
Estimates of AA's success rate usually range about 10%, which means that about 10% of the people who walk in the door actually get sober. This seems pretty low, I know, but it doesn't take into account that an awful lot of people who show up in AA do not want to get sober. Of those who show up (i.e. go to meetings), are motivated (i.e. really want to get better), and follow the program (i.e. work the 12 steps), my experience is that about 90% get sober. My belief is that saying AA doesn't work to help you get sober is like saying diet and exercise doesn't work to help you lose weight. Of course it works. But you've gotta DO IT.
To correct a the misinformation given by the fellow who says AA is a government-supported program: it absolutely is NOT. AA is supported entirely, 100%, by member contributions. We get not one penny of government money, nor would we take it if offered. We aren't into politics or fundraising. We are about getting sober.
2007-03-14 13:35:40 · answer #1 · answered by Helen W. 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can't. AA does do follow ups, and they do try to record their success rates, however, those rates are not available to the public. Despite request, and despite the fact that AA is a government supported organization, these statistics remain confidential. Why? Well, because they're low. How do we know? Leaks. Further, it appears that success rates in battling alcoholism are rather uniform. About 5% of people sober up. With or without AA. Essentially, those rates aren't available because they reveal an unfavorable reality: AA is a failure.
2007-03-14 12:21:28 · answer #2 · answered by Acid Bath Slayer 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
AA does not know what happens to people who stop coming to meetings. Maybe they fell off the wagon, OR maybe they decided to go with a shrink instead of the meetings.
Being anonymous, it's not as though you'd get names--but you could try a search on "AA + success rates" They are a huge organization, but may have some sort of statistics.
2007-03-14 11:51:49 · answer #3 · answered by Holiday Magic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will succeed in AA if you are willing to completely give yourself to the program. The success is there, but only if you follow the path.
2007-03-14 11:52:29 · answer #4 · answered by OTTO 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
About 1/3 make it.
2007-03-14 11:48:41 · answer #5 · answered by mom of 7 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
in my house
2007-03-14 11:53:27 · answer #6 · answered by EA 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋