Why Does Alcoholics Anonymous Work?

The video explores the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in promoting abstinence from alcohol. It discusses the challenges of distinguishing between treatment effects and selection effects in studies, particularly in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The video explains how crossover in RCTs can obscure genuine treatment effects and introduces the concept of intention to treat analysis. It highlights a study that corrects for crossover by focusing on marginal patients, providing insights into AA's true treatment effect. The video concludes by affirming AA's benefits and encouraging more participation.

How does motivation affect the outcomes of treatment in studies involving Alcoholics Anonymous?

What is the significance of analyzing 'marginal patients' in treatment studies?

What conclusion does the study draw about the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous for alcoholics?