In a significant development for Alcoholics Anonymous, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published the Quality Standard (QS11) on alcohol-use disorders (AUDs) as part of its commitment to enhance treatment practices in England and Wales. Released in July 2023, this new standard is designed to serve as the Gold Standard for diagnosing and managing AUDs, underlining the importance of support systems like Alcoholics Anonymous in aiding individuals struggling with alcohol-related challenges.

The QS11 emphasises the need for comprehensive support for both adults and young people aged 10 and over who may be facing alcohol issues. Among its five Quality Statements, Quality Statement 2 specifically highlights that “Adults seeking help for an alcohol-use disorder are given information on, and support to access, community support networks and self-help groups.” This acknowledgment aligns with the foundational principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and reinforces the organisation’s role in the treatment landscape. Health and care professionals are encouraged to mention this standard when discussing treatment options with individuals seeking help.

The Cochrane Evidence Review has further substantiated the efficacy of AA, revealing that participation in Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12-Step Facilitation (TSF) approach yields comparable benefits to cognitive behaviour therapy and motivational enhancement therapy for most drinking-related outcomes. Notably, for continuous abstinence and remission, AA/TSF demonstrates superior results, particularly when individuals remain actively engaged over the long term. According to lead researcher Professor John F. Kelly, the growing body of evidence indicates that those referred to Alcoholics Anonymous experience higher rates of sustained recovery, underscoring the program’s capacity to provide essential therapeutic factors that support long-term sobriety.

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