THURSDAY, Oct. 13, 2005 (HealthDay News) -- Problem drinkers are more likely to achieve remission when they avail themselves of both professional treatment and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), according to a new U.S. study.
Researchers surveyed 362 people regarding their self-initiated treatment for alcohol abuse and results over 16 years.
Sticking with AA over the long term was associated with a higher likelihood of continuing remission up to 15 years later, the researchers report in the current issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.
Furthermore, "individuals who obtain professional treatment and participate in AA in the first year after initiating help-seeking are more likely to achieve remission for up to 15 years later than are individuals who obtain professional treatment alone," researcher Rudolf H. Moos, senior research career scientist with the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System in Palo Alto, Calif., said in a prepared statement.
The study also found that ex-drinkers who had achieved remission but then discontinued AA therapy were more likely to relapse compared to those who continued going to AA meetings.
"These findings emphasize that initial and subsequent episodes of participation in AA can have long-term effects on the likelihood of remission of alcohol-related problems," Moos said.
More information
The U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has more about alcohol abuse.
