Addiction Alternatives or Alcoholics Anonymous

Submitted by Marc F. Kern Ph.D. Sat 04/19/2008

While A.A. with its 12-step approach has helped millions of people over the last 60-plus years, but there is no evidence that A.A. is better than other approaches for everyone.

Some people just don't find A.A. attractive or constructive for their particular situations.

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Listening to my clients and based on recent research, people don't join A.A. or find it helpful because of many diverse reasons:

"It's just a substitute dependency."
"It's too religious."
"There is too much dogma."
"I don't feel I fit in."
"My problem isn't as bad as theirs."
"I haven't hit my bottom and I don't want to wait until then to make a change."
"They say I am powerless, but I feel I'm not powerless."
"It's like a cult."
"I don't feel I am an alcoholic" "I don't have an addiction.

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Regardless of the accuracy of these perceptions, Addiction Alternatives offers a different approach. Let's examine five major differences between Addiction Alternatives and beliefs commonly encountered at 12-step meetings. This comparison chart can help you see philosophical differences, but there is no right or wrong answer.

Addiction Alternatives	Alcoholics Anonymous
Addictions are a learned behaviors with biological influences and cause physical alteration and neurological changes in the way the brain functions. People vary on their degree of biological propensities.	Addictions are caused by a disease, a genetic inheritance from birth.
Not everyone with an alcohol problem needs to stop drinking forever.	Everyone who has ever had a drinking problem or drug abuse history must forever maintain completely abstinence from all mood/mind altering substances.
You can learn to empower yourself.	You are powerless over your addiction.
Belief in a higher power or anything spiritual is completely optional.	A spiritual approach, including belief in a higher power is essential to overcome your addiction.
You can learn how to overcome your addiction and move on to enjoy your life.	You must attend meetings for the rest of your life because you never overcome your addiction.

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