DistantNews
Support us
Free treatment for alcohol addiction is actually the most effective, research shows
🇳🇴 Norway /Health & Science

Free treatment for alcohol addiction is actually the most effective, research shows

From Aftenposten · () Norwegian

Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Sources not specified Context piece
  • Research indicates that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and 12-step programs are more effective for sustained abstinence from alcohol than traditional clinical treatments.
  • A meta-study found that participants in 12-step programs had a 21% higher chance of remaining completely sober after 12 months, a benefit that persisted over 36 months.
  • AA is also cost-effective, reducing the need for expensive outpatient consultations and hospitalizations while improving health outcomes.

Contrary to popular belief, membership in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and participation in 12-step programs represent the most effective treatment for alcoholism, according to robust research. Alcoholism, a significant personal, familial, and economic challenge in Norway, affects an estimated 5 to 8 percent of the population but is treatable.

AA membership is the best treatment, according to solid research.

— Article textIntroducing the main finding of the research on alcoholism treatment.

A comprehensive meta-study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Kelly et al., 2020) analyzed 27 studies involving 10,565 participants. Using the rigorous Cochrane methodology, researchers compared AA and "Twelve-Step Facilitation" (TSF) – professionally guided help to integrate into AA – with established treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI). The study measured sustained abstinence, drinking frequency, and cost-effectiveness over up to 36 months.

AA and 12-step based treatment are more effective than the gold standards in clinical practice.

— Article textSummarizing the conclusion of the meta-study.

The findings indicate with a high degree of certainty that 12-step based treatments are superior for achieving sustained abstinence. At the 12-month follow-up, individuals receiving 12-step based help were 21 percent more likely to remain completely sober compared to those in other treatment groups. This advantage remained consistent at 24 and 36 months.

At 12 months follow-up, the chance of remaining completely sober was 21 percent higher for those who received 12-step based help, compared to other treatment forms.

— Article textDetailing the effectiveness of 12-step programs for sustained abstinence.

Regarding the reduction of daily alcohol consumption and alcohol-related consequences, AA proved to be at least as effective as professional treatment. Even for individuals not achieving total abstinence, AA offers a comparable alternative, though the program itself does not advocate for controlled drinking. The study concludes that AA likely leads to significant cost savings due to its free, peer-driven nature, reducing reliance on costly clinical services and hospitalizations while enhancing health benefits.

AA is at least as effective as professional treatment... The study concludes that AA probably leads to significant savings.

— Article textHighlighting AA's effectiveness and cost-efficiency compared to professional treatments.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog