AA

Purpose: To provide explanatory hypotheses for the success of the AA program, and to contibute to the development of understanding alcoholism.

Problem: What are the essential characteristics of AA that make the the most successful approach for treating alcoholism.

Evidence: AA is the longest standing treatment program for the problem of alcoholism. The addictive experience consits of four areas: (1) Intense feelings for which language is inadequage, (2) Lack of experience in time, (3) Alienation from oneself and others, (4) Lack of self regulation. When AA participants gather it helps them verbalize their feelings and connect with others helping with the above problem areas.

Concepts: Alcoholics have four main areas that of need that they experience, which AA can help them solve by voicing their feelings...