Andrew Meacham on the Business of 12 Steps and Modern Addiction Treatment
Well, if you do the numbers, you can only come to the conclusion that the vast majority of people get sober on their own because we got, say, in this country alone, you know, we got million people. So I don't know, aa can go around claiming that they're the only thing that works.
What happens when recovery becomes a business? In this episode of Harm Reduction Radio, Kenneth Anderson sits down with Andrew Meacham, the author of 'Selling Serenity: Life Among the Recovery Stars'. They dive into the booming industry of 12-step programs that took off in the 80s and 90s and still thrives today. Meacham brings a critical eye to the commercial side of these programs, questioning their effectiveness and impact on addiction treatment.
He explores the clash between traditional 12-step methods and modern, evidence-based approaches. Are we too reliant on AA's model, or is it time to embrace more data-driven, nuanced methods? Meacham doesn't shy away from controversial topics like the limitations of AA's success rates, the loaded language often used in recovery circles, and the contentious concept of codependency. He also highlights the benefits of harm reduction as a viable alternative.
If you're curious about the history and current state of 12-step programs and want a fresh perspective on addiction treatment, this episode is a must-listen.