Sign In

Debates
- Features
- Topics
  Upcoming debates
- Close ✕
  - Does Alcoholics Anonymous…
    
    Dry January has become increasingly popular, practiced by a quarter of Americans last year, and provides individuals a collegial and open path for reconsidering their alcohol consumption. For almost two million people worldwide who have committed to staying sober for a lifetime, the group known as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its 12-step plan has been a prominent lifeline. But is it the best approach for curbing alcoholism, and does it address its root causes? Those who say AA is invaluable emphasize the merits of its peer-driven, community-based approach. They also point out that membership is free, only requiring a desire to stop drinking. Opportunities for fellowship can be found nearly anywhere, even in communities with limited access to healthcare or treatment facilities. Those who say there might be a better way to sobriety argue that AA’s long-term success rates vary widely. They also note equity issues and note concerns with the program’s focus on abstinence rather than moderation. They say other therapies and interventions, such as harm reduction therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, would help those who may not succeed in the program. Now with this background and in Dry January 2025, we debate the question: Does AA Work?
    
    Friday, January 3, 2025
Insights
About
- - Become a Member
  - Newsletter
- Close ✕
  
  SUPPORT OPEN-MINDED DEBATE
  
  Help us bring debate to communities and classrooms across the nation.
  Donate
Header Bottom
- Become a member Newsletter Donate

Become a member Donate

Aruna D'Souza

Writer & Art Critic

Aruna D’Souza is a writer and art critic focusing on modern and contemporary art, intersectional feminism and politics, and how museums shape our views of each other and the world. Her writings have been published in major newspapers, including the Wall Street Journal and CNN. She is currently a contributor to the New York Times, and her book, “Whitewalling: Art, Race, and Protest in 3 Acts,” was named one of the best art books of 2018 by the publication.

Debates Featuring Aruna D'Souza

Should We Separate the Art from the Artist?

With Randy Cohen, Aruna D'Souza

September 30, 2022

It turns out your favorite artist is a monster. Say they committed murder, advocated genocide, or engaged in some other act so outside the scope of a dignified, respectable society that it cannot be redeemed. What now? Must you throw the art out with the artists? It's a question at the heart of both pop culture and high art critique. For some, a work of art is an entity in itself. It should be appreciated and revered without regard to…

Should We Separate the Art from the Artist?

It turns out your favorite artist is a monster. Say they committed murder, advocated genocide, or engaged in some other act so outside the scope of a dignified, respectable society that it cannot be redeemed.…

With Randy Cohen, Aruna D'Souza

September 30, 2022

Sign In My Account

@ 2006-2024, Open to Debate Foundation, All rights reserved