as frequently and persistently i get reffered to AA and their related programs, this article dissapoints me ... though, it mainly reaffirms my skepticism i have for what i've read about the programs (i still haven't found close enough meetings to attend to).

though, i think the article implies that the most effective way to quit drinking is to just decide to quit drinking. i can't tell my mom to quit drinking like i can't tell my sister to quit being OCD - it's hotwired in the brain, sure as hell not a concious choice. however, the "brief intervention" still sounds like a decent shot; i don't think my mom has any idea what her internal organs look like after 25-odd years of heavy drinking.

It's quite an interesting religion. It nearly meets all the criteria of a cult.

The first assumption of AA is the false premise that if you have ever had a drink and/or been drunk, you ARE an alcoholic. Saying you aren't automatically means you are in denial.

If you are of the Christian religion(s), this may be helpful. For a pagan, Wiccan, Druid, polytheist, or atheist, the "Higher Power" is kinda hard to swallow, as AA seems to presume your "Higher Power" is Jeebus or some other invisible sky dude.

While I will admit that when it began, it was a useful and helpful organization, there are other helpful ways to "conquer" or "control" alcohol abuse. Dialectic Behavior Modification is useful for this and many other problematic behaviors, and there are other ways to regain your life than with just AA.

It helped my brother and his wife.