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9780807033159 English 0807033154 An exposE of Alcoholics Anonymous, 12-step programs, and the rehab industry--and how a failed addiction-treatment model came to dominate America. AA has become so infused in our society that it is practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet the evidence shows that AA has only a 5-10 percent success rate--hardly better than no treatment at all. Despite this, doctors, employers, and judges regularly refer addicted people to treatment programs and rehab facilities based on the 12-step model. In "The Sober Truth," acclaimed addiction specialist Dr. Lance Dodes exposes the deeply flawed science that the 12-step industry has used to support its programs. Dr. Dodes analyzes dozens of studies to reveal a startling pattern of errors, misjudgments, and biases. He also pores over the research to highlight the best peer-reviewed studies available and discovers that they reach a grim consensus on the program's overall success. But" The Sober Truth" is more than a book about addiction. It is also a book about science and how and why AA and rehab became so popular, despite the discouraging data. Dr. Dodes explores the entire story of AA's rise, from its origins in early fundamentalist religious and mystical beliefs to its present-day place of privilege in politics and media. "The Sober Truth" includes true stories from Dr. Dodes's thirty-five years of clinical practice, as well as firsthand accounts submitted by addicts through an open invitation on the "Psychology Today" website. These stories vividly reveal the experience of walking the steps and attending some of the nation's most famous rehabilitation centers. "The Sober Truth" builds a powerful response to the monopoly of the 12-step program and explodes the myth that these programs offer an acceptable or universal solution to the deeply personal problem of addiction. This book""offers new and actionable information for addicts, their families, and medical providers, and lays out better ways to understand addiction for those seeking a more effective and compassionate approach to this treatable problem., An expose of Alcoholics Anonymous, twelve-step programs, and the growing for-profit rehab industry and how a failed addiction-treatment model came to dominate America AA has become so infused in our society that it has become practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet, there exists very little empirical data proving that AA and other 12-step programs are effective in helping addicts heal. Despite reports claiming that AA only has a 5-10 percent success rate, countless doctors, judges, and employers continue to refer their addicted patients for treatments based on the 12-step model, rehabilitation facilities center their programs around this model, and many addicts themselves are simply unaware of any other options available to them. This book gives a well-reasoned rebuke to the notion that AA is for everyone, an idea that no other field of medicine would entertain. Armed with rigorous analysis, cutting-edge research, and convincing case studies, Dr. Dodes builds a powerful and compelling case against the monopoly of the 12-step program. He suggests treatment that takes a multifaceted approach to every patient, acknowledging personal history, psychological and physical health, and the unique road that leads an individual to addiction. The Sober Truth offers actionable information for addicts, their families, and medical providers seeking a more intelligent, effective, and compassionate approach to understand and treat addiction., An expose of Alcoholics Anonymous, twelve-step programs, and the rehab industry--and how a failed addiction-treatment model came to dominate America AA has become so infused in our society that it is practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet the evidence shows that AA has only a 5-10 percent success rate--hardly better than no treatment at all. Despite this, doctors, employers and judges regularly refer addicted people to treatment programs and rehab facilities based on the 12-step model. In "The Sober Truth, " acclaimed addiction specialist Dr. Lance Dodes exposes the deeply flawed science that the 12-step industry has used to support its programs. Dodes analyzes dozens of studies to reveal a startling pattern of errors, misjudgments and biases. He also pores through the research to highlight the best peer-reviewed studies available, and discovers that they reach a grim consensus on the program's overall success. But" The Sober Truth" is more than a book about addiction. It is also a book about science, and how and why AA and rehab became so popular despite the discouraging data. Dr. Dodes explores the entire story of AA's rise, from its origins in early fundamentalist religious and mystical beliefs to its present day place of privilege in politics and media. "The Sober Truth" includes true stories from Dr. Dodes' 35 years of clinical practice, as well as firsthand accounts submitted by addicts through an open invitation on the Psychology Today website. These stories vividly reveal the experience of walking the steps and attending some of the nation's most famous rehabilitation centers. "The Sober Truth" builds a powerful response to the monopoly of the 12-step program, and explodes the myth that these programs offer an acceptable or universal solution to this deeply personal problem. This book""offers new and actionable information for addicts, their families, and medical providers, and lays out better ways to understand addiction for those seeking a more effective and compassionate approach to this treatable problem., An exposé of Alcoholics Anonymous, 12-step programs, and the rehab industry--and how a failed addiction-treatment model came to dominate America. AA has become so infused in our society that it is practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet the evidence shows that AA has only a 5-10 percent success rate--hardly better than no treatment at all. Despite this, doctors, employers, and judges regularly refer addicted people to treatment programs and rehab facilities based on the 12-step model. In The Sober Truth , acclaimed addiction specialist Dr. Lance Dodes exposes the deeply flawed science that the 12-step industry has used to support its programs. Dr. Dodes analyzes dozens of studies to reveal a startling pattern of errors, misjudgments, and biases. He also pores over the research to highlight the best peer-reviewed studies available and discovers that they reach a grim consensus on the program's overall success. But The Sober Truth is more than a book about addiction. It is also a book about science and how and why AA and rehab became so popular, despite the discouraging data. Dr. Dodes explores the entire story of AA's rise, from its origins in early fundamentalist religious and mystical beliefs to its present-day place of privilege in politics and media. The Sober Truth includes true stories from Dr. Dodes's thirty-five years of clinical practice, as well as firsthand accounts submitted by addicts through an open invitation on the Psychology Today website. These stories vividly reveal the experience of walking the steps and attending some of the nation's most famous rehabilitation centers. The Sober Truth builds a powerful response to the monopoly of the 12-step program and explodes the myth that these programs offer an acceptable or universal solution to the deeply personal problem of addiction. This book offers new and actionable information for addicts, their families, and medical providers, and lays out better ways to understand addiction for those seeking a more effective and compassionate approach to this treatable problem., An expos� of Alcoholics Anonymous, 12-step programs, and the rehab industry--and how a failed addiction-treatment model came to dominate America. AA has become so infused in our society that it is practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet the evidence shows that AA has only a 5-10 percent success rate--hardly better than no treatment at all. Despite this, doctors, employers, and judges regularly refer addicted people to treatment programs and rehab facilities based on the 12-step model. In The Sober Truth , acclaimed addiction specialist Dr. Lance Dodes exposes the deeply flawed science that the 12-step industry has used to support its programs. Dr. Dodes analyzes dozens of studies to reveal a startling pattern of errors, misjudgments, and biases. He also pores over the research to highlight the best peer-reviewed studies available and discovers that they reach a grim consensus on the program's overall success. But The Sober Truth is more than a book about addiction. It is also a book about science and how and why AA and rehab became so popular, despite the discouraging data. Dr. Dodes explores the entire story of AA's rise, from its origins in early fundamentalist religious and mystical beliefs to its present-day place of privilege in politics and media. The Sober Truth includes true stories from Dr. Dodes's thirty-five years of clinical practice, as well as firsthand accounts submitted by addicts through an open invitation on the Psychology Today website. These stories vividly reveal the experience of walking the steps and attending some of the nation's most famous rehabilitation centers. The Sober Truth builds a powerful response to the monopoly of the 12-step program and explodes the myth that these programs offer an acceptable or universal solution to the deeply personal problem of addiction. This book offers new and actionable information for addicts, their families, and medical providers, and lays out better ways to understand addiction for those seeking a more effective and compassionate approach to this treatable problem., An expos� of Alcoholics Anonymous, twelve-step programs, and the growing for-profit rehab industry and how a failed addiction-treatment model came to dominate America AA has become so infused in our society that it has become practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet, there exists very little empirical data proving that AA and other 12-step programs are effective in helping addicts heal. Despite reports claiming that AA only has a 5-10 percent success rate, countless doctors, judges, and employers continue to refer their addicted patients for treatments based on the 12-step model, rehabilitation facilities center their programs around this model, and many addicts themselves are simply unaware of any other options available to them. This book gives a well-reasoned rebuke to the notion that AA is for everyone, an idea that no other field of medicine would entertain. Armed with rigorous analysis, cutting-edge research, and convincing case studies, Dr. Dodes builds a powerful and compelling case against the monopoly of the 12-step program. He suggests treatment that takes a multifaceted approach to every patient, acknowledging personal history, psychological and physical health, and the unique road that leads an individual to addiction. The Sober Truth offers actionable information for addicts, their families, and medical providers seeking a more intelligent, effective, and compassionate approach to understand and treat addiction., An expos� of Alcoholics Anonymous, twelve-step programs, and the rehab industry--and how a failed addiction-treatment model came to dominate America AA has become so infused in our society that it is practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet the evidence shows that AA has only a 5-10 percent success rate--hardly better than no treatment at all. Despite this, doctors, employers and judges regularly refer addicted people to treatment programs and rehab facilities based on the 12-step model. In The Sober Truth, acclaimed addiction specialist Dr. Lance Dodes exposes the deeply flawed science that the 12-step industry has used to support its programs. Dodes analyzes dozens of studies to reveal a startling pattern of errors, misjudgments and biases. He also pores through the research to highlight the best peer-reviewed studies available, and discovers that they reach a grim consensus on the program's overall success. But The Sober Truth is more than a book about addiction. It is also a book about science, and how and why AA and rehab became so popular despite the discouraging data. Dr. Dodes explores the entire story of AA's rise, from its origins in early fundamentalist religious and mystical beliefs to its present day place of privilege in politics and media. The Sober Truth includes true stories from Dr. Dodes' 35 years of clinical practice, as well as firsthand accounts submitted by addicts through an open invitation on the Psychology Today website. These stories vividly reveal the experience of walking the steps and attending some of the nation's most famous rehabilitation centers. The Sober Truth builds a powerful response to the monopoly of the 12-step program, and explodes the myth that these programs offer an acceptable or universal solution to this deeply personal problem. This book offers new and actionable information for addicts, their families, and medical providers, and lays out better ways to understand addiction for those seeking a more effective and compassionate approach to this treatable problem.
9780807033159 English 0807033154 An exposE of Alcoholics Anonymous, 12-step programs, and the rehab industry--and how a failed addiction-treatment model came to dominate America. AA has become so infused in our society that it is practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet the evidence shows that AA has only a 5-10 percent success rate--hardly better than no treatment at all. Despite this, doctors, employers, and judges regularly refer addicted people to treatment programs and rehab facilities based on the 12-step model. In "The Sober Truth," acclaimed addiction specialist Dr. Lance Dodes exposes the deeply flawed science that the 12-step industry has used to support its programs. Dr. Dodes analyzes dozens of studies to reveal a startling pattern of errors, misjudgments, and biases. He also pores over the research to highlight the best peer-reviewed studies available and discovers that they reach a grim consensus on the program's overall success. But" The Sober Truth" is more than a book about addiction. It is also a book about science and how and why AA and rehab became so popular, despite the discouraging data. Dr. Dodes explores the entire story of AA's rise, from its origins in early fundamentalist religious and mystical beliefs to its present-day place of privilege in politics and media. "The Sober Truth" includes true stories from Dr. Dodes's thirty-five years of clinical practice, as well as firsthand accounts submitted by addicts through an open invitation on the "Psychology Today" website. These stories vividly reveal the experience of walking the steps and attending some of the nation's most famous rehabilitation centers. "The Sober Truth" builds a powerful response to the monopoly of the 12-step program and explodes the myth that these programs offer an acceptable or universal solution to the deeply personal problem of addiction. This book""offers new and actionable information for addicts, their families, and medical providers, and lays out better ways to understand addiction for those seeking a more effective and compassionate approach to this treatable problem., An expose of Alcoholics Anonymous, twelve-step programs, and the growing for-profit rehab industry and how a failed addiction-treatment model came to dominate America AA has become so infused in our society that it has become practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet, there exists very little empirical data proving that AA and other 12-step programs are effective in helping addicts heal. Despite reports claiming that AA only has a 5-10 percent success rate, countless doctors, judges, and employers continue to refer their addicted patients for treatments based on the 12-step model, rehabilitation facilities center their programs around this model, and many addicts themselves are simply unaware of any other options available to them. This book gives a well-reasoned rebuke to the notion that AA is for everyone, an idea that no other field of medicine would entertain. Armed with rigorous analysis, cutting-edge research, and convincing case studies, Dr. Dodes builds a powerful and compelling case against the monopoly of the 12-step program. He suggests treatment that takes a multifaceted approach to every patient, acknowledging personal history, psychological and physical health, and the unique road that leads an individual to addiction. The Sober Truth offers actionable information for addicts, their families, and medical providers seeking a more intelligent, effective, and compassionate approach to understand and treat addiction., An expose of Alcoholics Anonymous, twelve-step programs, and the rehab industry--and how a failed addiction-treatment model came to dominate America AA has become so infused in our society that it is practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet the evidence shows that AA has only a 5-10 percent success rate--hardly better than no treatment at all. Despite this, doctors, employers and judges regularly refer addicted people to treatment programs and rehab facilities based on the 12-step model. In "The Sober Truth, " acclaimed addiction specialist Dr. Lance Dodes exposes the deeply flawed science that the 12-step industry has used to support its programs. Dodes analyzes dozens of studies to reveal a startling pattern of errors, misjudgments and biases. He also pores through the research to highlight the best peer-reviewed studies available, and discovers that they reach a grim consensus on the program's overall success. But" The Sober Truth" is more than a book about addiction. It is also a book about science, and how and why AA and rehab became so popular despite the discouraging data. Dr. Dodes explores the entire story of AA's rise, from its origins in early fundamentalist religious and mystical beliefs to its present day place of privilege in politics and media. "The Sober Truth" includes true stories from Dr. Dodes' 35 years of clinical practice, as well as firsthand accounts submitted by addicts through an open invitation on the Psychology Today website. These stories vividly reveal the experience of walking the steps and attending some of the nation's most famous rehabilitation centers. "The Sober Truth" builds a powerful response to the monopoly of the 12-step program, and explodes the myth that these programs offer an acceptable or universal solution to this deeply personal problem. This book""offers new and actionable information for addicts, their families, and medical providers, and lays out better ways to understand addiction for those seeking a more effective and compassionate approach to this treatable problem., An exposé of Alcoholics Anonymous, 12-step programs, and the rehab industry--and how a failed addiction-treatment model came to dominate America. AA has become so infused in our society that it is practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet the evidence shows that AA has only a 5-10 percent success rate--hardly better than no treatment at all. Despite this, doctors, employers, and judges regularly refer addicted people to treatment programs and rehab facilities based on the 12-step model. In The Sober Truth , acclaimed addiction specialist Dr. Lance Dodes exposes the deeply flawed science that the 12-step industry has used to support its programs. Dr. Dodes analyzes dozens of studies to reveal a startling pattern of errors, misjudgments, and biases. He also pores over the research to highlight the best peer-reviewed studies available and discovers that they reach a grim consensus on the program's overall success. But The Sober Truth is more than a book about addiction. It is also a book about science and how and why AA and rehab became so popular, despite the discouraging data. Dr. Dodes explores the entire story of AA's rise, from its origins in early fundamentalist religious and mystical beliefs to its present-day place of privilege in politics and media. The Sober Truth includes true stories from Dr. Dodes's thirty-five years of clinical practice, as well as firsthand accounts submitted by addicts through an open invitation on the Psychology Today website. These stories vividly reveal the experience of walking the steps and attending some of the nation's most famous rehabilitation centers. The Sober Truth builds a powerful response to the monopoly of the 12-step program and explodes the myth that these programs offer an acceptable or universal solution to the deeply personal problem of addiction. This book offers new and actionable information for addicts, their families, and medical providers, and lays out better ways to understand addiction for those seeking a more effective and compassionate approach to this treatable problem., An expos� of Alcoholics Anonymous, 12-step programs, and the rehab industry--and how a failed addiction-treatment model came to dominate America. AA has become so infused in our society that it is practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet the evidence shows that AA has only a 5-10 percent success rate--hardly better than no treatment at all. Despite this, doctors, employers, and judges regularly refer addicted people to treatment programs and rehab facilities based on the 12-step model. In The Sober Truth , acclaimed addiction specialist Dr. Lance Dodes exposes the deeply flawed science that the 12-step industry has used to support its programs. Dr. Dodes analyzes dozens of studies to reveal a startling pattern of errors, misjudgments, and biases. He also pores over the research to highlight the best peer-reviewed studies available and discovers that they reach a grim consensus on the program's overall success. But The Sober Truth is more than a book about addiction. It is also a book about science and how and why AA and rehab became so popular, despite the discouraging data. Dr. Dodes explores the entire story of AA's rise, from its origins in early fundamentalist religious and mystical beliefs to its present-day place of privilege in politics and media. The Sober Truth includes true stories from Dr. Dodes's thirty-five years of clinical practice, as well as firsthand accounts submitted by addicts through an open invitation on the Psychology Today website. These stories vividly reveal the experience of walking the steps and attending some of the nation's most famous rehabilitation centers. The Sober Truth builds a powerful response to the monopoly of the 12-step program and explodes the myth that these programs offer an acceptable or universal solution to the deeply personal problem of addiction. This book offers new and actionable information for addicts, their families, and medical providers, and lays out better ways to understand addiction for those seeking a more effective and compassionate approach to this treatable problem., An expos� of Alcoholics Anonymous, twelve-step programs, and the growing for-profit rehab industry and how a failed addiction-treatment model came to dominate America AA has become so infused in our society that it has become practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet, there exists very little empirical data proving that AA and other 12-step programs are effective in helping addicts heal. Despite reports claiming that AA only has a 5-10 percent success rate, countless doctors, judges, and employers continue to refer their addicted patients for treatments based on the 12-step model, rehabilitation facilities center their programs around this model, and many addicts themselves are simply unaware of any other options available to them. This book gives a well-reasoned rebuke to the notion that AA is for everyone, an idea that no other field of medicine would entertain. Armed with rigorous analysis, cutting-edge research, and convincing case studies, Dr. Dodes builds a powerful and compelling case against the monopoly of the 12-step program. He suggests treatment that takes a multifaceted approach to every patient, acknowledging personal history, psychological and physical health, and the unique road that leads an individual to addiction. The Sober Truth offers actionable information for addicts, their families, and medical providers seeking a more intelligent, effective, and compassionate approach to understand and treat addiction., An expos� of Alcoholics Anonymous, twelve-step programs, and the rehab industry--and how a failed addiction-treatment model came to dominate America AA has become so infused in our society that it is practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet the evidence shows that AA has only a 5-10 percent success rate--hardly better than no treatment at all. Despite this, doctors, employers and judges regularly refer addicted people to treatment programs and rehab facilities based on the 12-step model. In The Sober Truth, acclaimed addiction specialist Dr. Lance Dodes exposes the deeply flawed science that the 12-step industry has used to support its programs. Dodes analyzes dozens of studies to reveal a startling pattern of errors, misjudgments and biases. He also pores through the research to highlight the best peer-reviewed studies available, and discovers that they reach a grim consensus on the program's overall success. But The Sober Truth is more than a book about addiction. It is also a book about science, and how and why AA and rehab became so popular despite the discouraging data. Dr. Dodes explores the entire story of AA's rise, from its origins in early fundamentalist religious and mystical beliefs to its present day place of privilege in politics and media. The Sober Truth includes true stories from Dr. Dodes' 35 years of clinical practice, as well as firsthand accounts submitted by addicts through an open invitation on the Psychology Today website. These stories vividly reveal the experience of walking the steps and attending some of the nation's most famous rehabilitation centers. The Sober Truth builds a powerful response to the monopoly of the 12-step program, and explodes the myth that these programs offer an acceptable or universal solution to this deeply personal problem. This book offers new and actionable information for addicts, their families, and medical providers, and lays out better ways to understand addiction for those seeking a more effective and compassionate approach to this treatable problem.