Characteristics of Affiliates of Alcoholics Anonymous: A Review of the Literature,
Ogborne
AC, Glaser FB, Journal
of Studies on Alcohol, Vol. 42(7), 661-675, 1981
“Alcoholics Anonymous is regarded by many professionals and laymen as the most useful treatment resource for problem drinkers. Referral to A.A. is routine in some programs, and regular attendance at A.A. meetings is required in others. A number of important treatment programs are based entirely on the A.A. philosophy, and many others have incorporated elements of it in their operations.
This
hegemony of A.A. cannot be justified by reference to the scientific
literature. Questions of the over-all efficacy of A.A.'s approach and
of specific indications and contraindications for its use remain
largely unanswered (5). The failure of research to support
unequivocally the conclusions of A.A. advocates does not, however,
mean that claims for its success are unfounded. The studies conducted
to date have had many methodological problems that limit their
conclusions. It has been cogently argued that, because of its
informal and voluntary
nature, A.A. cannot be studied experimentally and that, therefore, a
definitive evaluation is impossible. Without going quite so far, we
can at least agree that a precise evaluation of A.A. poses enormous
difficulties for the researcher.”
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PS
For AA Minority Report 2013 click here
