12-Step Programs Considered Best Way to Beat Addiction

For the more than eight million heroin addicts worldwide, becoming drug free is not easy. Recent advances in medicine have helped ease the painful symptoms of withdrawal. But according to experts, 80 percent of addicts will relapse after becoming clean the first time. In this, the second part of our series on heroin in the U.S., Jeff Swicord profiles one young woman who beat the odds.

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[BigGregWalsh]

Most alcoholics and addicts are resistant to working the steps because there still trying to do it there way. The ego always come back and tries to get the sick person to not want to work the steps because the steps are the solution to the problem. It leads to a spiritual experience which leads to day at a time living and recovery. Not working the steps and sitting in meetings and sharing war stories is not what it;s about its about a higher power. No human power my friend no human power! God!

[TJBroscoffBand]

The first 100, 98% effective... Get the real message from AA not what people push or think about it. AA saved my life. In my experience. Every person I know who did the steps properly ARE STILL CLEAN AND RECOVERED!!!!

[forestskog]

@richardhutnik no one knows. I looked and read a lot on this. Critics say success is only 5%. That was based on an internal AA report which was leaked. It claimed that after 1 year of AA only 5% of people were in the program and sober, I believe. Look up on google. Now, this may be unfair, there may be other explanations. I read a great book "the kidnapped mind" which deals with worldwide studies of success rates of all forms of treatment.

[heartattackdon]

she dont even look like adrunk

[Hammersley1967]

@richardhutnik

5%

[jenpadian]

I find it my personal responsibility to spread the news to the still sick and suffering "addicts" out there that 12 step programs are harmful ineffective brain washing cults that steal your hope, your free will and your life!

[smo1765]

from my experience in rehab thats true

[richardhutnik]

What is the actual success rate for the 12-steps?

[1jimcox]

There is no miracle drug

[rwsandman]

If you want AA, save yourself some money skip the treatment center and go straight to your nearest church basement. The treatment center will cram Valium down your throat (to ward off D.T.'s), cram AA down your throat, and bill your insurance company $10K.