The heavy-handed version of the disease concept that the authors expound in this book obscures the pathways that lead up to some drinkers' ultimate decision to stop. But at point B, the alcoholic nevertheless does stop drinking and shortly begins to lead a sober, productive life. The authors' belief that alcoholics should be forced to attend AA meetings will sadden and repel many friends of that movement. One also searches Beyond the Influence in vain for an honest, realistic assessment of the state of alcoholism treatment today. Despite decades in which the Minnesota Model has been the dominant paradigm, the statistics on alcoholism remain as horrible today, if not more so, than those that Dr. Milam cited in his book twenty years ago.
Ownership needs to be taken here.
The authors proceed as if the comprehensive study of American treatment methods authored by Drs. There is no serious disclosure or discussion of the large body of outcomes research, showing that relapse is the industry's most common product. The huge Project Match study , finding that one approach was about as effective as another, is not mentioned. The several comparative studies finding no benefit in AA attendance are not discussed. AA's own membership surveys showing an overwhelming dropout rate are not mentioned.