Do 12-step recovery programs work? Yes!  Dr. John Kelly of Harvard performed a comprehensive study which is one of the most widely disseminated research findings in the last five years and was reviewed by Cochrane. The Cochrane organization reviews research studies and is internationally recognized as the benchmark for high-quality information about the effectiveness of health care. Dr. John Kelly specializes in addiction recovery and has served as a consultant to U.S. federal agencies and foreign governments. His research work has focused on addiction treatment and the recovery process.  This important study confirmed what many recovered addicts know, 12-step programs work. Dr. Kelly says the three areas in 12-step programs which were most important to successful recovery: attendance at meetings, having a sponsor, and sharing verbally at meetings. While some addicts participate in acute medical management including inpatient or rehabilitation treatment which can be helpful, working 12-step recovery programs allow addicts to maintain sobriety and abstinence from the substance or behavior over time. There is more to be done in our society in destigmatizing addiction and Dr. Kelly knows that addiction occurs in the brain where ingesting the offending substance sets up cravings and obsession and ultimately addiction. In terms of food addiction, Dr. John Kelly says he knows ultra-processed foods can be quite addictive as well and says there is more research to be done. The medical community has been trained to treat the symptoms of addiction, not the source of the addiction.  Abstinence in the case of food addiction, sobriety in the case of alcohol and drugs can be effective using 12-step recovery programs. There is an effort to have ultra-processed foods recognized as a substance use disorder, just like alcohol and drugs and an important consensus took place. (Link Below) Listen in to this incredible episode where Dr. Kelly, an accomplished research professional who has helped to prove through his work and research that 12-step recovery programs are very effective.   

Cochrane Review 12-Step Study https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD012880.pub2/full#CD012880-abs-0002

 Dr. John Kelly Harvard biography https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/john-f-kelly-phd

International Food Addiction Conference Consensus Statement https://the-chc.org/fas/conference