Has AA Lost Its Edge? Examining Recovery Success Rates Then and Now
Last week, I attended the first session of a "Joe and Charlie Big Book Study" at my friend John's home. These intimate winter gatherings, typically hosting 4-8 people over 12 weeks, center around recordings of Joe and Charlie's renowned analysis of AA's foundational text, followed by group discussion.
The opening session sparked an intriguing debate about AA's effectiveness over time. According to Joe and Charlie, AA boasted an impressive 75% success rate in its early days, which has reportedly dwindled to less than 1% today. They attribute this decline to groups straying from AA's original text and the 12 steps.
While this perspective holds some merit, the reality is more nuanced. In 1935, AA served a small, highly motivated group of individuals who had reached what we might call "rock bottom." Today's recovery landscape looks markedly different, serving a broader spectrum of people with varying degrees of alcohol use disorder.
The Evolution of Recovery Support
My former podcast co-host John shared his experience from the 1980s and '90s, noting how meetings then often diverged from AA's core principles. He believes a return to the steps strengthened the program. While I agree that focused 12-step work yields better results, other factors influence modern recovery outcomes:
Meeting Quality: Some groups drift away from recovery-focused discussions, potentially diluting their effectiveness.
The "Tough Love" Problem: Overly harsh approaches from certain members can alienate newcomers and damage AA's reputation.
Involuntary Participation: Many now attend meetings due to external pressure from family, partners, or court mandates, potentially affecting their commitment to recovery.
The Digital Revolution in Recovery
Today's recovery landscape offers numerous alternatives to traditional AA meetings. Digital platforms like Recovery Elevator and online communities led by professionals like Gill Tietz provide modern approaches to sobriety. Many of these services charge subscription fees, which can increase participant investment but may also limit accessibility.
This proliferation of options creates a complex dynamic: while providing more paths to recovery is positive, it may inadvertently position AA as a last resort for those who can't afford paid programs or prefer traditional approaches. This shift could skew our understanding of what "success" in recovery truly means.
For a deeper dive into this discussion, listen to my latest Sober Friends podcast episode with Steve, where we explore these themes in detail.
I'm curious about your experience with recovery: Did sobriety stick on your first attempt, or did it take time? What factors influenced your success? Share your thoughts in the comments below.