Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

irisblue

(34,412 posts)
Sun Mar 22, 2015, 07:00 PM Mar 2015

Has anyone in this room read the article from The Atlantic, 4/15 bout AA?

http://www.theatlantic.com/features/archive/2015/03/the-irrationality-of-alcoholics-anonymous/386255/
it is available online, and as of this early pm, there are 7100 responses. I saw a brief piece of Chris Hayes on MSNBC discussing the article with Gabriel Glaser & Marianne Williamson. I do not know if that interview is still available, adobe flash hates me today.
4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Has anyone in this room read the article from The Atlantic, 4/15 bout AA? (Original Post) irisblue Mar 2015 OP
Had no difficulty following your link. Downwinder Mar 2015 #1
Yes charin Mar 2015 #2
Yes. Conch Dec 2015 #3
I hope it works for you madville Dec 2015 #4

charin

(62 posts)
2. Yes
Mon Mar 23, 2015, 07:27 AM
Mar 2015

I saw the Chris Hayes segment and read the article. For those with "mild or moderate alcohol-use disorder" less intense methods may get results. AA is not for everyone. I, however, am a real alcoholic.

I disagree about the AA success rate. Best paper I've read on the efficacy of AA-

http://hindsfoot.org/recout01.pdf

Basically, what Bill W. said decades ago still holds up. 3 or 4 out of 5 who initially come to a meeting don't stick. Maybe they come back later. Of those who stay and really try, about half achieve long term sobriety from the start. Another quarter make it after a slip or few.

Conch

(80 posts)
3. Yes.
Fri Dec 4, 2015, 06:29 PM
Dec 2015

Because of it I am on Naltrexone. According to the article and my doctor it has about an 80% success rate. I felt it the first evening I tried it... the feeling of getting drunk.... more accurately the manic/frantic need to have a nearly full drink in my hands at all times was gone then later diminished and I was/am able to drink.

That was 8-ish months ago and my drinking is still reduced but I still drink a good deal, it began increasing after two months on the drug, and feel that it may no longer be serving a purpose That said, until I reach the level of consumption I had before using it I hope that it is working.


madville

(7,479 posts)
4. I hope it works for you
Sat Dec 5, 2015, 07:28 AM
Dec 2015

and gets you to the place you want to be.

Speaking only for myself, I know I can never drink in moderation. I didn't quit and really dive into working on it until I REALLY wanted to quit. In all my previous failed attempts I wasn't at a point where I wanted to stop, I knew I should stop, my body was telling me to stop, my ex's were telling me to stop, my family was telling me to stop, heavy drinking friends were telling me to stop, work was telling me to stop, etc, etc but none of that really mattered or was enough reason to quit.

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Addiction & Recovery»Has anyone in this room r...