The AA model characterizes addiction as a progressive, chronic, and ultimately fatal disease that leaves the addict "powerless," experiencing a "loss of control" in the ability to refrain from a drug of choice. The model requires a commitment to total abstinence, the embrace of spirituality, and life-long participation in AA or another twelve-step program, because addiction is defined as treatable but never entirely curable.(Addiction Alternatives for Recovery.By: Lemanski, Michael J., Humanist, 00187399, Jan/Feb2000, Vol. 60, Issue 1)

Here are some thoughts on the effectiveness of the A.A. program adopted by "William Griffith Wilson"(Addiction Alternatives for Recovery.By: Lemanski, Michael J., Humanist, 00187399, Jan/Feb2000, Vol. 60, Issue 1)

However, more and more long-term clinical studies are shattering the basic assumptions of AA, and the model that has dominated the recovery movement for more than sixty years has been coming under increased criticism. According to Dr. Joan Mathews-Larson, founder of the alternative Health Recovery Center, "The whole system is antiquated because it isn't based on science." The basis for current "standard treatment" is religion-spirituality and talk-therapy. In his October 1996 Professional Counselor article "The War Is Over: It's Time to Stop Squabbling," Richard A. Rawson suggests that it is time to move on: For many in the substance abuse field, the disease controversy has centered on whether addiction was a disease of the spirit, disease of the soul; disease of attitudes; or a scientifically defined disorder which could be studied using the scientific method and treated with empirically derived techniques. This controversy has clearly been resolved in favor of science. The anti-science zeitgeist, which pervaded the private treatment system in the '70s and '80s, is no longer a meaningful influence.(Addiction Alternatives for Recovery.By: Lemanski, Michael J., Humanist, 00187399, Jan/Feb2000, Vol. 60, Issue 1)

"One unfortunate aspect of AA is its refusal to acknowledge special dietary requirements associated with many people addicted to alcohol"(Lemanski, M.J.2006.p.2)


These can include:

It is important to have the recovering alcoholics speak about their experiences. A.A. is all about this. All of the participants have hit a "rock-bottom" so this will be a connecting point for all participants.