A recent Cochrane review found that manualized Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF) interventions can lead to higher rates of continuous abstinence than other established treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The review suggests that AA/TSF may be more effective at fostering increased participation in AA, which in turn contributes to higher abstinence rates.
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD012880.pub2/full?cookiesEnabled
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Cochrane Review Findings: The Cochrane review, a highly respected source of evidence-based healthcare information, concluded that manualized AA/TSF interventions are more effective than other established treatments, including CBT, in promoting abstinence.
- AA/TSF and Abstinence: The review highlighted that AA/TSF interventions, particularly those that are manualized (i.e., delivered in a structured and consistent way), can lead to higher rates of continuous abstinence over months and years compared to other treatments like CBT.
- Increased AA Participation: The effectiveness of AA/TSF is partly attributed to its ability to encourage greater participation in AA meetings and activities, which is a key component of the approach.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The review also suggests that AA/TSF interventions may be more cost-effective than other treatments for alcohol use disorder, potentially due to lower treatment costs and the long-term impact of sustained abstinence, according to RecoveryAnswers.org.
- Individualized Approach: While the review focuses on the effectiveness of AA/TSF, it's important to remember that addiction treatment is often most effective when tailored to the individual's needs and preferences.
- Ongoing Research: The Cochrane review acknowledges that further research is ongoing to explore the nuances of AA/TSF and its effectiveness in different contexts.