[BitWielder1]

AA lets people deal with their problem without involving health care professionals, insurance companies and without ingesting pharmaceuticals. And it's free.
(Correct me if I'm wrong.)

Is AA ineffective or is the real problem that someone losing out on cash?

[NEMDF]

It could be that someone is losing on out cash, but also that someone is losing out on RECORDS, so they know who has been or is being treated for alcohol abuse, all the details, etc. How can some huge government-funded program work, if people seek treatment/recovery outside of the boundaries of the government controls?

[Psalm 73]

"Is AA ineffective or is the real problem that someone losing out on cash?"

Bingo - 23 years ago I went from a bar-brawling, car-wrecking, relationship-trashing loser to a sober, caring, rational person - for only a buck a day.

(Rarely make "meetings" much anymore, mostly heavily involved in church ministries, but never want to forget where i came from....)

[ConservativeDude]

Yes, to all that.

And...that it notes the existence of a higher power....

[rarestia]

Is AA ineffective or is the real problem that someone losing out on cash?

The problem is that it's ANONYMOUS! The government can't track its efficacy, because it's not reportable. As such, they can't use Obamacare with it.

Mark my words, they'll banish the "ANONYMOUS" programs (NA, AA, etc.) because the government knows better. These programs will be relegated to underground meetings with crappier coffee than what they serve now.

[WayneS]

I think we have a winner!