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In reply to the discussion: Alcoholics Anonymous has a terrible success rate, addiction expert finds [View all]riderinthestorm
(23,272 posts)And I'm not being specific to AA, I meant any "program" like AA (and AA) as well.
My dad was a raging alcoholic for 40+ years. AA saved his life so I get a little defensive when someone appears to be saying these programs are "woo" or unsuccessful. As I and many others are saying on this thread, it WAS the programs that worked - as much as that appears unscientific. His power to stay sober didn't reside in himself at all - he needed that group and sponsor which he clung to in sheer desperation.
Nothing else worked - two stints in rehab, even Antabuse which he tried for about 3 weeks once before pitching. He had a heart attack at age 75 and during the time he was recuperating there he went through withdrawal. I drove him every day for the first 2 weeks to every AA meeting in the area til he found his "match".
He's been sober now for 7 years. Its a fucking miracle.