12-step-program Quote by Lance Dodes
““AA has managed to survive, in part, because members who become and remain sober speak and write about it regularly. This is no accident: AA’s twelfth step expressly tells members to proselytize for the organization: “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” Adherence to this step has created a classic sampling error: because most of us hear only from the people who succeeded in the program, it is natural to conclude that they represent the whole. In reality, these members speak for an exceptionally small percentage of addicts.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Disease of Addiction, Lance Dodes, 2005
AA’s emphasis on sharing success creates a sampling bias, making the program seem more universally effective than it is.
In simple terms: Sharing success skews perception of effectiveness.
Key Takeaway
Recognize bias and seek broader data.
Themes
addiction recovery
sampling bias
perception
program evaluation
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
explanatory
informative
When to use this quote
- research studies
- policy decisions
- personal recovery choices
- public health messaging
Key Concepts
social proof
confirmation bias
survivor bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How might we gather more representative data?
- What other factors affect recovery outcomes?
A Different Perspective
The bias may overlook systemic issues and diverse experiences.
