A research study done by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health proved what thousands before have believed to be true: that the 12 step program works, specifically for adolescents.
Researches studied 403 participants between ages 13-18 who were enrolled in a treatment programs in northern California and followed their progress for over 7 years.
How 12 Step Programs Can Help Teens
The results of the study proved that 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, can
- Reduce the risk of relapse
- Reduces health care costs: Medical costs were cut by an estimated 4.7%, or $145 each year for hospital inpatient days, psychiatric visits, and alcohol and drug treatment.
- Leads to better health
- Provides both physical and mental health recovery needs by supplementing formal medical and psychiatric services
Considering that past research have shown how teens with drug and alcohol problems are at risk for a lot of negative outcomes, including
- poor academic performance
- violence
- depression
- suicide
- chronic medical conditions like asthma,
12-step programs can benefit the person in more ways than one.
The Value of 12 Step Programs
But it’s not just for teens: 12-step programs have worked for adults and teens alike.
Though critics may claim that 12-step programs have not proven superior to other treatments, the truth is that 12-step programs are proven to be helpful, if not sure-proof successful. And because it has helped–and is helping–thousands of people, 12-step programs are unlikely to be rejected by addicts and experts anytime soon.