'Controlled Drinking' Flies in Face of AA

Alcoholics Anonymous has a great track record, but one doctor writes that AA's strategy isn't the only game in town when treating alcoholism. In "Take Control of Your Drinking … And You May Not Need to Quit," Michael Levy argues that a controlled level of drinking can be effective, in contrast to AA's emphasis on strict abstinence, LiveScience reports.

Levy writes that AA can be very helpful, but also points out that some treatment-seekers have trouble with the spiritual aspect of the program. The second of the 12 steps involves accepting the existence of a higher Power, and six of the steps mention God, LiveScience reports. Levy says this might discourage some alcoholics from looking for help. (More alcoholism stories.)