Is there scientific proof that the 12 steps work?

To date, Project Match (Matching Alcoholism Treatment to Client Heterogeneity) remains the largest behavioural intervention trial conducted on alcoholism. It compared the effectiveness of three different approaches – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), 12-Step Facilitated Treatment (TSF) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) – and found all three approaches are effective in the treatment of alcoholism. However, at the three year follow-up mark, a significantly higher abstinence rate was found with clients who’d taken 12-step facilitated treatment. Proof 12-step facilitated treatment is effective is found in outcome studies that independently verify than 71.4% of clients who take at least the primary and continuing care components of Renascent Complete Care are abstinent 24 months post-treatment. There are millions of 12-step members around the world who can attest that the program works. For more information about the effectiveness of 12-step facilitated treatment, read Dr. ...  more