People keep trying coming up with definite numbers to prove a success OR failure rate.
This is an on-going bubbling cauldron of contention and resentments all over the place. There are arguments and fault-finding from A.A.-critics, as well as resentments and counter-arguments from newly recovered who may feel like they are under attack and naturally want to defend this program that saved their life.
Members of the fellowship who take this program seriously and have recovered, claim there is a 100 percent success rate in people who have honestly taken all the steps with an A.A. guide, who continue to work on their spiritual condition on a daily basis, who work one-to-one with beginners, and who demonstrate the A.A. principles in all areas of their life.
Those of us who are concerned about carrying the 12-step, life-saving message for full recovery are not really concerned about the numbers arguments. We are not doing 12-step work to acquire numbers or recruits to support ‘a cult.’ We take seriously the directive to work one-to-one with another alcoholic (free-of-charge). THAT’s the number we are concerned with in the moment. ONE. And that one’s success is dependent solely on their own honest willingness to follow the clear-cut directions and work on daily maintenance of their own spiritual condition.
Due to anonymity, A.A. does not keep records of attendance or long-term sobriety. The Foreword to the Second Edition included an attempt at statistics—at the top of page xx. Even today, not everyone makes it on his or her first effort. A big consideration is that in today’s meetings there are many rehab retreads & DUIs that never had a true desire to stop drinking for good and all—they are pushed in by an outside agency. In addition, too many meetings are bogged down with outside opinions, pander to strong personalities, are lacking any 12-step teachings, and instead demonstrate a secularization and washed-out version of the program. No wonder outsiders and newcomers doubt the ability of A.A.’s success rate—in many groups, authentic A.A. no longer exists.
So, what is the point of all these attempts at statistics to “prove” success or failure? Don’t let the critics push your buttons. Let it go. A.A. has been around since 1935. That is many years of success helping millions of alcoholics all over our planet to become recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. Hooray.
