Why Not A. A.?

Successful, alternative methods for treating problems with alcohol, drugs and other bad habits are proving that AA is not the only way.

Even though A.A., with its 12-step approach, has helped millions of people over the last 60-plus years, there is no evidence that A.A. is better than other alcohol or drug treatment approaches. On the contrary, a major research study, funded by the U.S. government, concluded that A.A. does not help the majority of people who attend the meetings.

In the summer of 2004, A.A.’s own surprising statistics were revealed on Showtime’s irreverent show, BULL****.
Hosts Penn & Teller devoted an entire show to “12-Step Myths” and revealed member surveys that consistently verified that only 5% of A.A. members get sober and stay sober. After just one year, 95% of members stop showing up for meetings. A.A.’s 5% success rate is no better than the success rate for people who decide to quit on their own.

Why do many people think AA is the only way?

A.A. was founded here in the United States in the 1930s and has been in existence long enough to become an unquestioned part of American culture.
Twelve-step programs, such as A.A., treat addiction as a disease, rather than a behavior control problem.
People are told that they have no control or power over their disease and that the only way to get help is by attending 12-step meetings for the rest of their lives.

The main problems with 12-step meetings.

Listening to his own clients and noting recent research on the subject, Dr. Kern explains that there are many reasons people don’t join 12-step programs or find them helpful, such as:

Dr. Kern collaborates privately with you to design a customized addiction recovery plan…

• “It’s just a substitute dependency.”
• “It’s too religious.”
• “There is too much dogma.”
• “I don’t feel I fit in.”
• “My problem isn’t as bad as theirs.”
• “I haven’t hit bottom and I don’t want to wait until then to make a change.”
• “They say I am powerless, but I feel I’m not powerless.”
• “It’s like a cult.”
• “I don’t feel I am an alcoholic”

Why Dr. Kern knows A.A. isn’t the only way.

Dr. Kern struggled with his own addictions and went to A.A meetings, only to find that the A.A. philosophy just didn’t work for him. He began his own personal journey to find evidence-based alternatives to help the millions of people whom 12-step programs don’t help. My Own Addictions

Dr. Kern’s patience and hard work paid off. In refreshing contrast to A.A.’s “one size fits all” approach, he helps each client in private, one-on-one sessions to help each develop a highly personalized strategy to attaining and maintaining their life goals.

Acclaimed expert in addiction alternatives treatment.

Today, Dr. Kern is an internationally recognized expert in contemporary addiction treatments, and has appeared on over 100 major media including national network shows, such as Larry King Live, 20/20 and The Edge, with Paula Zahn. He has also appeared on many syndicated and local radio shows, and has been interviewed for numerous magazine and newspaper articles.

Five differences between addiction alternatives and 12-step

Let’s examine five major differences between the philosophy of 12-step programs and the philosophy of alternative treatment options. There are no right or wrong answers, but this comparison chart can help you see philosophical differences.