Wow!!

[cally]

A major outcomes study with 10,000 patients in both in-patient and outpatient treatment (Hoffman & Miller) found that 90% of patients attending AA meetings at least weekly and participating in aftercare for one year were able to abstain from the use of any alcohol at all during that year.14

http://www.caron.org/current-statistics.html

For a job interview, I started looking at some of the statistics at what seems to work. I know what has worked for me but in designing programs I was curious as to what recent studies have shown. I'm surprised they have now done studies showing what the old timers tell us. It works.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

1. but what are the numbers after that first year?

that's the true test of any recovery program.

And you need to factor in how many left the program before the year was up because it wasn't working for them.

[cally]

2. I've seen other numbers that show that recovery does work

but I just saw this one today. The Columbia Center for Addiction has some good studies. I also know what works for me and those I know.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

3. yep, different for everybody

I couldn't deal with the religion and the 'lifetime' members at AA, doing it alone worked for me (getting off meth and booze.) I'm too private a person to share stuff with a room full of strangers. I don't recommend it for most people, most do better with support.

[libodem]

4. I worked at a private treatment center

For a couple of years. As the charge nurse, I did a little of almost everything, inquiry calls, admissions, detox protocol, meds, individual counciling.

The basis was still AA. The facility took the inpatient clients through the first 4 steps, during the 30 day stay.

If a person can get through detox, find a sponsor, work the first four steps, they could save about 30 thousand dollars, on the way to being sober.

I try and look at my Al Anon, one day at a time, book, everyday. Man, its hard to just share the faith and hope, and not fall into giving advice.