Open to Debate Does AA Work?
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Jan 9, 2026 In this debate, recovery expert Dan Griffin and addiction psychologist Adi Jaffe tackle a hot topic: the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous. Dan highlights AA's widespread accessibility and supportive structure, while Adi critiques its low long-term success and its abstinence-only model that doesn’t work for everyone. They discuss if AA addresses underlying issues and the importance of community versus the potential for shaming. Personal motivations and the dominance of 12-step programs in treatment options are also explored, making for a thought-provoking conversation.
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AA's Large-Scale Impact
- Dan Griffin argues AA's scale and 12-step program have transformed millions of lives over nearly 90 years.
- He cites a meta-analysis of 27 studies showing AA can outperform individual therapy for abstinence.
Reliability And Harm Concerns
- Adi Jaffe says AA fails as a reliable treatment because it lacks consistent, long-term success for most participants.
- He cites low long-term success estimates and potential harms from stigma and inflexible practices.
Personal Recovery Journey
- Adi Jaffe recounts his severe meth addiction and legal consequences that led him into treatment and AA.
- He spent three years in AA and later researched alternatives, shaping his critical perspective.
