The Dr. Junkie Show

#143: Cults, Drugs & The 12-Step Success Story

April 10, 2024 Benjamin Boyce Season 1 Episode 143
#143: Cults, Drugs & The 12-Step Success Story
The Dr. Junkie Show
More Info
The Dr. Junkie Show
#143: Cults, Drugs & The 12-Step Success Story
Apr 10, 2024 Season 1 Episode 143
Benjamin Boyce

Email us at DrJunkieShow@gmail.com

This week I revisit a topic I've discussed repeatedly on this show: the reported success rates of 12-Step programs like AA and NA. I talk about the reason these programs persist as the norm despite an odd lack of data to verify their success, and I walk through the reasons AA and other 12-Step programs are highly religious while almost always claiming (and appearing) not to be. 

Read Cochrane's new(er) meta-analysis of 12-step success rates on their website.

Read more about aging out of addiction in Zimburg's work.

14% - 31% of people who walk into a 12-Step meeting keep coming for at least 1 year.
21% - 22% of people who stay in a 12-Step program for more than a year remain sober.
5% - 8% of people who walk into a 12-Step meeting will remain sober for at least 1 year.


Some studies show that those who try a 12-Step program actually have worse success rates than non-treatment groups. 

Support the Show.

The Dr. Junkie Show +
Become a supporter of the show!
Starting at $3/month
Support
Show Notes

Email us at DrJunkieShow@gmail.com

This week I revisit a topic I've discussed repeatedly on this show: the reported success rates of 12-Step programs like AA and NA. I talk about the reason these programs persist as the norm despite an odd lack of data to verify their success, and I walk through the reasons AA and other 12-Step programs are highly religious while almost always claiming (and appearing) not to be. 

Read Cochrane's new(er) meta-analysis of 12-step success rates on their website.

Read more about aging out of addiction in Zimburg's work.

14% - 31% of people who walk into a 12-Step meeting keep coming for at least 1 year.
21% - 22% of people who stay in a 12-Step program for more than a year remain sober.
5% - 8% of people who walk into a 12-Step meeting will remain sober for at least 1 year.


Some studies show that those who try a 12-Step program actually have worse success rates than non-treatment groups. 

Support the Show.