If you continue to attend AA and not drop out you have nearly double chance of remaining abstinent.
Estimated Alcoholics Anonymous Membership 1991-1992
- New members during past year – 0.9 million
- On-going members – 1.5 million
- Total membership – 2.4 million
Continuation Rate in Alcoholics Anonymous
In 1991-1992 4.8 million respondents reported ever attending an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting, for reasons related to their drinking, prior to the last 12 months and 31% reported continued AA attendance during the last 12 months.
Rate of continued AA attendance was associated with years since first AA meeting
- 1-4 years since first AA meeting – 36% remained
- 5-9 years since first AA meeting – 30% remained
- 10-19 years since first AA meeting – 29% remained
- 20 years or more since first AA meeting – 32% remained
Comparison of Past Year Drinking Status – Dropouts and Continuing AA Members
Dropouts:
- Abstinent 33%
- Low risk drinking 14%
- High risk drinking 53%
Continued AA attendance:
- Abstinent 62%
- Low risk drinking 9%
- High risk drinking 29%
- low risk drinking = never exceed 4 drinks per day(male) or 3 drinks per day (female)
- high risk drinking = exceeds 4 drinks per day (male) or 3 drinks per day (female)
Research Source: NIAAA 1991-1992 National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey (NLAES). Data Brief – National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey (NLAES) Findings on Alcoholics Anonymous Membership by Loran Archer.
Thus, 36% remain attending A.A. at the end of one year and 32% are still attending at the end of 20 years.
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