Does AA Work? What You Should Know

You’ve probably heard of Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as AA. It is one of the oldest and most well-known addiction recovery groups in the world and it claims to have helped millions of alcoholics and problem drinkers.

But what exactly is Alcoholics Anonymous and, just as importantly, does AA work?

What Is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?

Alcoholics Anonymous is a peer-led mutual-aid group for people battling alcoholism. It started in the US in 1935, when a New York stockbroker and a surgeon from Akron got together and started to work with fellow alcoholics.

The organisation follows Twelve Traditions that set out how it operates. These set out guidelines such as anonymity for members, the fact that every local group is autonomous and that the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. AA is a global, free, and non-religious organisation, despite its spiritual foundations.

It uses an abstinence-based recovery model through its twelve-step programme.

How Does AA Work?

Essentially, AA is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. This generally involves attending regular meetings and sharing experiences of alcoholism and recovery. It also uses sponsorship, which involves one person who has made some progress in the recovery programme sharing that experience on an individual, ongoing basis with another person who is trying to stay sober.

The basis of the recovery programme is the Twelve Step programme.

• The programme begins with the first step: ‘We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.’

• The final step is: ‘Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.’

This means that people following the programme are encouraged to ‘play it forward’ by sharing their experiences and helping others.

The original 12-step programme refers several times to God. However, AA today says that this does not have to mean a religious entity. It adds: “The purpose is to think of a higher power, such as nature, or simply what happens when people come together to help each other.”

Does AA Work? What the Research Says

So how effective is Alcoholics Anonymous? This can be difficult to quantify, due at least in part to the anonymity of members. AA success rate statistics are also complicated by the fact that some people may stop attending AA meetings but may still relapse further down the line.

There have been some studies on the effectiveness of AA, however.

One 16-year study looked at problem drinkers who had tried to quit on their own, alongside those had sought help from AA, professional therapists or both. At the 16-year follow-up, 67% of those who had attended at least 27 weeks of AA meetings during the first year were still sober. 56% of subjects who got therapy in the same period were also abstinent after 16 years.

One major review of 27 studies containing a total of 10,565 participants concluded that AA and other 12-step based programmes ‘may be at least as effective as other treatments for other alcohol‐related outcomes’.

Another review of existing studies found that rates of abstinence are about twice as high among those who attend AA compared to those who don’t. It also found that higher levels of attendance were related to higher rates of abstinence. It noted, however, that ‘rigorous experimental evidence’ was mixed. Of these types of study, two trials found a positive effect for AA, one trial actually found an adverse effect for AA, and one trial found no effect.

Benefits of AA for Addiction Recovery

While the effectiveness of AA can vary depending on a number of factors, there are a number of potential benefits of AA meetings. Peer support can be effective in many cases, as well as reducing isolation and feelings of shame. Following a step-by-step recovery model can also be valuable, as many people struggling with addiction benefit from a structured programme.

AA has a focus on long-term sobriety, with no limit on how long you can continue to attend. It also strives to be very accessible, with free meetings accessible to all, both in-person and online.

Limitations of AA: Is It Right for Everyone?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery, and AA is not the best option for everyone. For example, some people struggle with the spiritual aspect of the Twelve Step Programme, even where it refers to a ‘higher power’ rather than specific religious beliefs.

AA is not a substitute for medical treatment or therapy and going through detox without medical support can be a difficult and dangerous process. Some individuals may benefit more from alternative or complementary treatments, and some individuals may require a combination of approaches to treatment.

Alternatives to AA: What Are the Other Options?

There are a number of alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): An evidence-based approach for addiction recovery, which is also used in treating depression and anxiety. It is a talking therapy that aims to change the way you think and behave.
• SMART Recovery: An alternative peer support programme that uses trained facilitators and structured, evidence-based techniques focusing on self-reliance.
• Rehabilitation Centres: Professional rehab treatment offers comprehensive holistic programmes that may combine medical detox and a range of therapies and workshops.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Medication can be used in combination with therapy for addiction recovery. It can be particularly useful for helping get through withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Can AA Be Combined with Other Treatment Methods?

Yes. AA can work alongside many other therapy techniques, medical detox and intensive rehab programmes. Some people may find the peer support element of AA useful while also benefitting from supervised detox, medical treatments and therapies to address the psychological aspects of addiction and the root causes of their drinking.

Some rehab programmes may also utilise their own adaptations of AA’s original 12-step programme.

How to Find an AA Meeting Near You

The Alcoholics Anonymous website has a handy tool to help you find local AA meetings by entering your town or postcode. You can also find online-only meetings at a time that suits you.

Alternatively, you can call the free helpline on 0800 917 7650 or email the support team at help@aamail.org. In line with AA guidelines, you will always be treated confidentially and in a non-judgemental manner.

So, does AA work for alcoholism? For many people, it does. But like many forms of treatment, it is not the right option for everyone.

It does not have to be a question of AA vs rehab treatment. For some people, a combination approach might work best, while others will benefit most from a structured programme of detox and therapy. It is often best to explore all available options, including professional rehab, for the best chance of long-term sobriety.

Posted on Wednesday, March 12th, 2025 at 3:04 pm in Addiction.