Episode Title: “AA Works 100% of the Time”
Hosts: Mike & Glenn
The Data Dilemma: Does AA Actually Work?
Hosts Mike and Glenn open the episode by tackling a common question: What percentage of people who go to Alcoholics Anonymous actually get sober?
They agree that because AA is an anonymous program lacking a formal structure for surveys or data collection, any statistic cited out there is essentially made up. There is no comprehensive, quantitative data set—only snippets.
However, the hosts argue that while the program’s overall statistics are impossible to track, the success rate for an individual who completely commits is absolute: When you surrender to the program, get a sponsor, take directives to heart, and stay active, AA works 100% of the time.
The “Secret Sauce” and Page 58
The hosts ground their argument in Page 58 of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, which famously states:
“Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path.”
When people follow the program and still relapse, Glenn suggests there is a “disconnect”—much like an ignored warning light in a car. Ignoring a low tire pressure light eventually leads to a blowout and a crash; in recovery, dishonesty is that warning light. Those who fail are usually those who cannot or will not completely give themselves to the program.
Exceptions: The Big Book notes exceptions for those with severe mental health issues. However, the hosts point out that diagnoses made while actively drinking can be skewed, and many ills are solved simply through abstinence and a competent recovery program.
Host Spotlight: Personal Journeys
- Glenn’s Story (The 10% Phase): Initially, Glenn tried doing AA his way, which resulted in a 10% success rate. He was a “yo-yo,” letting his ego and judgment keep him from truly connecting. When he finally surrendered—listening to others’ pain and finding similarities instead of differences—the program began to work.
- Mike’s Story (The Deep End): Mike found success by completely surrendering his own will from day one. He “drank the Kool-Aid,” jumped into the deep end, and embraced rigorous honesty, selfless behavior, and service. By letting others count on him, he achieved 100% sobriety.
Perception vs. Reality
- Celebrity Relapses: The hosts note that when a celebrity endorses AA and later relapses or dies, the world views it as an “AA failure.” In reality, it is an individual failure resulting from taking one’s will back or stopping being honest.
- The Gym Membership Analogy: Saying AA doesn’t work without doing the work is like buying a gym membership, never working out, and blaming the gym for you not getting fit.
- Dealing with “Bad Apples”: There may be people with bad intentions in the rooms, but meeting attendance shouldn’t be based on how you feel about others. The focus must remain on personal recovery and service.
Glenn’s Three Pillars of Proof
Glenn summarizes his belief in AA’s foolproof nature with three points:
- Total Surrender: If you surrender 100%, it works 100%.
- Living Proof: He sees it work 100% of the time for the hundreds of successful, active people he “does life” with.
- The Promise: He adheres strictly to the Big Book’s promise that those who thoroughly follow the path rarely fail.
Closing Thoughts & Disclaimer
The hosts acknowledge that AA is not the only path—other solutions include alternative recovery programs, counseling, and church. For the “sober curious,” they recommend giving AA a try for 90 days or a year.
Special Medical Note: The medication Antabuse is briefly mentioned in this episode. Listeners are strongly advised to seek professional medical advice before taking any medications.
Conclusion: People may claim AA doesn’t work, but for Mike, Glenn, and the hundreds of active, accountable, and service-minded people around them, it is working 100% of the time.