Alcoholism - Therapy

Therapy

Standard forms of therapy for alcoholism include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Combined behavioral intervention
• Interactional group psychotherapy based on the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12-step program

Comparison studies have reported that these approaches are equally effective when the program is competently administered. One 2001 study suggested that, in general, AA may have a better abstinence rate than cognitive-behavioral therapy. It is also less expensive. Specific people, however, may do better with one program than another. One study, for example, examined the differences in success rates on type 1 or type 2 alcoholics:

• People in the type 1 group did well with the 12-step approach. They did not do as well with cognitive-behavioral therapy. (Type 1 individuals become alcoholic at a later age, have less severe symptoms or fewer psychiatric problems, and have a better outlook on life than those classified as type 2. They are more likely to be women.)
• The people in the type 2 group tend to do better with cognitive-behavioral therapy. (Type 2 people are more likely to be male, become alcoholic at an early age, have a high family risk for alcoholism, have more severe symptoms, and have a negative outlook on life.)

This difference in response to the two forms of treatment held up after 2 years. Other studies have also reported that people with fewer psychiatric problems do best with the AA approach.

Interactional Group Psychotherapy (Alcoholics Anonymous)

AA, founded in 1935, is an excellent example of interactional group psychotherapy and remains the most well-known program for helping people with alcoholism. It offers a very strong support network using group meetings open 7 days a week in locations all over the world. A buddy system, group understanding of alcoholism, and forgiveness for relapses are AA's standard methods for building self-worth and alleviating feelings of isolation.

AA's 12-step approach to recovery includes a spiritual component that might deter people who lack religious convictions. Prayer and meditation, however, have been known to be of great value in the healing process of many diseases, even in people with no particular religious assignation. AA emphasizes that the "higher power" component of its program need not refer to any specific belief system. Associated membership programs, Al-Anon and Alateen, offer help for family members and friends.