Most heavy drinkers are not alcoholics, U.S. study finds

[Major Nikon]

103. Wanting to quit is the most important part for any addiction

The vast majority of people who break their alcohol addiction do so without AA. AA has a good success rate with people who are highly motivated to quit, but so does everything else including people who seek no help at all.

The biggest problem with AA is their all or nothing approach. Teaching alcoholics that they are powerless over their addiction is dangerous and wrong because most will sink into remission at some point. Powerlessness and self-blame are two major things which fuel depression and are the cornerstone of 12-step programs. In fact, their program actually teaches people these things even if they don't blame themselves and don't feel powerless. The skin off my nose is that quite a bit of government money funds 12-step programs which have no proven efficacy and most likely lead to higher rates of depression and suicide.