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“Then What?” Wonders AA Not the Only Way Author Melanie Solomon
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Added: 03/24/2006
Type: Summary
Viewed: 1080 time(s)
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“Then What?” Wonders AA Not the Only Way Author Melanie Solomon
April 6 is National Alcohol Screening Day and all of April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Melanie Solomon, author of the newly released breakthrough guidebook already headed for its second printing, AA Not the Only Way – Your One Stop Resource Guide to 12- Step Alternatives, hopes that this year those seeking treatment for themselves or loved ones, or those making recommendations for others will consider, embrace and expand the dialog and knowledge about all available treatment options.
Data continues to show that alcohol and other addictions remain epidemic, contribute greatly to hospital and prison occupancy, dramatically decrease workplace productivity, and are a leading contributor to fatalities in the United States. It will also confirm that there are four times as many problem drinkers as alcoholics in this country and that nine out of ten of these people avoid conventional treatment because it labels them as alcoholics, and because of its guilt-based and religious nature. Sadly other studies, including one internal to AA, suggest that the organization, and by extension those similar, are only helping 3-5 percent of the people who adapt the program as counted one year later. Yet 93-97% of the treatment programs in the U.S. are still continuing to be entirely 12-step based. Furthermore, an estimated 1.5 million people will be sent to12-step programs this year and Americans will spend over $10 billion on treatment.
Solomon is quick to acknowledge the tremendous contribution AA and such ilk have made to those it has helped but suggests that the numbers are just too staggering not to explore alternatives for the rest of the population not being served well by 12-step approaches. There are alternatives that are scientifically proved, highly effective, often more practical, and well accepted and established in other countries that might better suit the complex and individualized needs of problem drinkers, alcoholics and addicts in the US. Solomon’s book is the first to provide a comprehensive (and expanding) directory of licensed professionals and treatment programs offering such choices. Further, her presentations and workshops suggest some discussion points and important questions for expanding the treatment dialog in the US:
• Since the one-size-fits-all approach of AA and other 12-step programs only works for 3-5 percent of people in the program, what alternative treatments are available to those seeking treatment for themselves, their loved ones, or for those making recommendations for others? How can communities implement access to them?
• What has three decades of scientific research shown and why are so many conventional addiction professionals and facilities so reluctant to accept and share the findings?
• Are the rights of people suffering from substance abuse being compromised by the lack of knowledge and information sharing in the recovery industry? Is mandating or prescribing only one treatment ethical? What is the legal trend in the United States regarding AA and other 12-step programs?
• According to one of the most exhaustive reviews of treatment literature, what are the top and bottom 10 abuse treatments? The findings will definitely surprise you!
• There are four times as many problem drinkers as there are “alcoholics” in the United States and 9 out of 10 of them actively avoid traditional treatment approaches. Are options like moderation management and harm reduction therapy right for them?
In order to stimulate dialog and exchange of information pertaining to these issues, Solomon has recently expanded her website, www.aanottheonlyway.com, to include many other beneficial resources for both people having substance abuse issues and professionals, plus a free discussion forum.
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