What percentage of people who go to AA stay sober?

A New York Times article stated that AA claims that up to 75% of its members stay abstinent. Alcoholics Anonymous' Big Book touts about a 50% success rate, stating that another 25% remain sober after some relapses.

What are the statistics of AA?

In the Big Book, AA states its approximate success rate is 50%, plus 25%. This means that 50% of members stay sober, 25% of members relapse but come back, and 25% fail to use AA effectively and do not remain sober. Overall, AA is something that offers support, direction, and comfort for those striving to remain sober.

What is the average length of sobriety?

14 percent of AA members stay sober between 10 and 20 years. 22 percent of AA members stay sober 20 or more years. The average length of AA member sobriety is nearly 10 years.

What is the success rate of 12 step programs?

Some addiction specialists have claimed that AA has a 5 to 10 percent success rate. A study showed a 35% abstinence rate when participants continued to attend AA meetings for 2-3 years.

Why AA doesn t work for everyone?

Other people find AA meetings depressing or monotonous, and the thought of having to go to meetings forever is horrifying. Some people believe, and AA teaches, that addiction is a disease that is not curable. Other people believe and hope that their addiction is not only treatable but curable.

How Steve-O Got Sober... and Stayed Sober

What is the weakness of AA?

Among the issues identified as limiting AA's effectiveness are the movement's preoccupation with drinking and sobriety and lack of concern for other problems.

What are the hardest steps in AA?

Those who subscribe to the 12 steps of AA recognize that for most addicts, step one is usually the hardest. Admitting you are powerless over alcohol requires a tremendous amount of courage, humility and even fear.

Is AA the only way to stay sober?

Is AA The Only Way To Stay Sober? No, you can take many pathways to long-term sobriety. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) remains one of the most common support groups for long-term sobriety. AA inspired additional 12-Step programs, like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), for those struggling with other types of substance abuse.

How many people have gone through AA?

The AA model — open to all and free — has spread around the globe, and AA now boasts over 2 million members in 180 nations and more than 118,000 groups.

Is AA worth it?

Various studies have found that a combination of professional treatment and AA yields better outcomes than either approach alone. Taken as a whole, the data suggest that AA may be helpful, especially in conjunction with professional treatment, for many people who are addicted to alcohol.

What is the hardest part of sobriety?

For many people, the first few weeks of sobriety are the hardest. You may have withdrawal symptoms that are physically and emotionally uncomfortable. Cravings are also common during this time, which can tempt you to relapse. Treatment can help you get through this challenging period.

Does sobriety change your life?

Addiction treatment and long-term sobriety can make a positive impact on all aspects of your health, relationships and experiences. You're working toward a better future without drugs or alcohol, one where you can live a deeper, more satisfying life.

How long does the average alcoholic live?

People hospitalized with alcohol use disorder have an average life expectancy of 47–53 years (men) and 50–58 years (women) and die 24–28 years earlier than people in the general population.

What type of people go to AA?

Only those with a drinking problem may attend closed meetings or become AA members. People with problems other than alcoholism are eligible for AA membership only if they have a drinking problem, too. 3 According to AA traditions, the only qualification for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

What is the number one offender in AA?

AA recognizes that resentment is toxic to our inner lives. The case is plainly stated in the Big Book: "Resentment is the number one offender. It destroys more alcoholics than anything else."

What percentage of people struggle with alcoholism?

Alcoholism Stats

More than 6 percent of adults in the U.S. have an alcohol use disorder, about 1 in 12 men and 1 in 25 women. An additional 623,000 people between the ages of 12 and 17 have alcohol use disorders. About 88,000 people die of alcohol-related causes every year in the United States.

What is the real success rate of AA?

A New York Times article stated that AA claims that up to 75% of its members stay abstinent. Alcoholics Anonymous' Big Book touts about a 50% success rate, stating that another 25% remain sober after some relapses.

Did Brad Pitt attend AA?

He attended AA meetings for a year and a half, and touched on the experience in a new interview. Speaking to GQ for its July/August issue, Pitt recalled: “I had a really cool men's group here that was really private and selective, so it was safe.

Can someone be kicked out of AA?

These Traditions provide for the unity of the group and, therefore, ultimately protect each member's sobriety. So, while no one who says they are a member of A.A. can be kicked out of A.A., someone can be asked to leave a meeting for the sake of the common welfare of the group.

Do people stay in AA forever?

If you feel supported when you attend AA meetings, you can remain a part of this organization for as long as you continue to feel that support. In fact, even if you no longer need the support of weekly meetings to avoid using alcohol yourself, you can transition your role in AA to that of a sponsor.

Can you have a drink while in AA?

As noted in the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, the only requirement to attend AA meetings is “a desire to stop drinking.”² Strictly speaking, you can attend AA meetings if you are still using alcohol.

Are more people getting sober?

1. Interest in a sober lifestyle has grown. A recent CivicScience survey shows that the percentage of U.S. adults (21+) who abstain from drinking alcohol altogether has not grown since 2020. In fact, we see that slightly fewer people say they don't drink any alcohol today compared to mid-2020.

What is the average age of people in AA?

Over one-fourth of the members are between the ages of 51 and 60. Another one-fifth of all members are between the ages of 41 and 50. Women are statistically underrepresented, making up only 38 percent of the AA population. 32 percent of all modern AA members are introduced to the program by a friend.

What is the golden rule in AA?

The Golden Rule of Habit Change

By requiring members to take stock of their lives and past mistakes, AA helps its members to create a list of triggers (the cue), and also to discover what reward they get from drinking.

What are the four horsemen in AA?

Some of us sought out sordid places, hoping to find understanding com- panionship and approval. Momentarily we did—then would come oblivion and the awful awakening to face the hideous Four Horsemen—Terror, Bewilderment, Frustration, Despair.