SMH
There are treatments for alcoholism that are not FDA approved. I personally knew someone who had a long term drug implanted in him to help him stop. He stopped for the exact length of the drug implants life, which was 5 years. Then he was right back to binge drinking. I know because he landed on my front steps a week after the 5 years ran out. Out cold and near death. His wife took him right back to get his next 5 year implant. So there is an alternative, as you mentioned. Does it work as effectively as 12 steps, maybe. But its not available in the US.
I got through the first few paragraphs of the article. First, its biased. The Atlantic is a liberal left wing anti religion bastion. So if something mentions G-d it must be flawed. Second, AA does not require anyone to believe in a God or drink Jesus juice. Third, white-knuckling, or being a "dry drunk" is exactly what im talking about.
People who are not working the program and not availing themselves of the tools of the program will tell you they feel like theyre drunk without drinking. Instead of relying on the drink as a crutch if he picked up a phone and called a "friend of Bill" who would meet him and talk him out of "needing" a drink maybe he wouldnt "need" that drink.
Whether we communicate well or not is immaterial. I have first hand experience. You mentioned one alternative which is a drug related alternative. There are many other types of addiction that cannot be treated with drugs. So until you can name successful long term alternatives, i stand by your first statement, successful, abstinent, recovery through a 12 step program is the gold standard of recovery.
Rehab will save someones life for today. חיי שעה is worthwhile but not the goal. One off drug treatments as you mentioned will also work for today, so does Narcan. But as a longer term solution i do not see anything better than 12 steps.
