(PRWEB) September 28, 2005
Lilian and Murdoch MacDonald, recovered alcoholics and authors of the controversial new book, Phoenix in a Bottle, are campaigning for radical new changes to be made to the treatment of alcoholism.
The MacDonalds, who found themselves living rough on the streets of Cambridge because of their addiction, say the style of treatment adopted by the respected organisation Alcoholics Anonymous is out of date, obstinate and has a poor success rate.
In Phoenix in a Bottle, the true story of a coupleÂ?s battle to survive alcoholism, the MacDonalds reject the need for abstinence, which is the fundamental doctrine of AA. They claim that if alcoholics can identify and address the cause of their destructive behaviour, they can recover from their dependence and drink in moderation again. Removing alcohol from the equation does not address the underlying issues. They also claim that the “12-StepsÂ? programme of AA, of which half refer to God, should not be so readily accepted in a modern, multicultural society.
The coupleÂ?s website, www.alcoholicscandrinksafelyagain.com says: Â?Any normal organisation would be open to new ideas, and would welcome discussion and change as new discoveries and progress were made in the field of alcoholism. Unfortunately AA has adopted a cult-like attitude, and regards its so-called programme of recovery as set in stone forever. No changes have been made or even allowed in the 70 years of its existence, and no questioning or discussion is tolerated.Â?
According to both an independent US government survey and AAÂ?s own membership surveys, AA-style treatment works for only 5% of its participants. Leading American addiction expert Dr Marc Kern commented: Â?These two surveys clearly show that after 12 months of attendance, 95% of the original participants have left the programme and either resumed their destructive behaviour or hopefully, but less likely, sought help elsewhere.Â?
The MacDonalds are campaigning for a non-religious international organisation that will offer empowerment to alcoholics, as opposed to treating alcoholism as a progressive, incurable disease.
AA refuses to comment on the matter.
If you would like to share your experiences or opinions with the authors, they welcome feedback via their website.
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