What is your take on the solution found in AA?

Rita

I haven't worked a 12-step program myself, so I'm limited to what I've learned about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) from clients, colleagues and professional writings. For those who aren't familiar with AA, it and related programs such as Narcotics Anonymous are called 12-step programs because the participating individual works through 12 steps or stages with the support and guidance of meetings and a sponsor.

The first step, admitting that one is powerless over alcohol (or other substances), has been criticized by some women because it originated from what they perceive as a white male perspective. (AA was started several decades ago by a group of white men, chief among them Bill W.) As we all know, in America white men have traditionally had most -- or all -- of the power. Women and minorities have had to struggle for equal rights, and many women still have trouble recognizing and putting into action their personal power. Some critics of AA question the wisdom of "breaking down" an addicted woman's sense of personal power by encouraging her to state her powerlessness. Others criticize AA's emphasis on alcoholism as a disease rather than a choice, feeling that discourages individuals from taking responsibility for their behavior.

Other critics of AA dislike its emphasis on belief in a "higher power" (usually, but not exclusively, conceptualized as God). Some people uncomfortable with the spiritual emphasis in AA have formed a self-help program called Rational Recovery. Others who value the spiritual component but dislike its Judeo-Christian orientation have started AA-type groups with a pagan focus.

And what do I think? I think AA is a valuable resource that works for many people. It's free, and there are AA groups available in almost every community in the United States, so travelers or recently relocated individuals can find comfort in a familiar routine available almost anywhere they go. There's a wealth of self-help literature available with an AA/12-step focus. Larger cities even have AA meetings and hot lines available around the clock. Its spiritual focus can be a plus, as long as people are able to draw on their own spiritual beliefs rather than feel someone else's are being crammed down their throats. Although I have concerns about the "disease" model as applied to alcoholism as well as various psychological disorders, I've found that people who rigorously work a 12-step program and do their own personal work tend to take MORE, not less, responsibility for their behavior.

AA has saved many people's lives, but it doesn't work for everyone. Some meetings are better (or a better "fit") than others, so it's important to try a few before making a decision whether or not to continue. I've often recommended AA to clients, when appropriate.