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  - 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
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Jason Johnson

President of the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund

Jason Johnson is president of the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund, a national police advocacy organization. Johnson served as deputy commissioner of the Baltimore Police Department between 2016 and 2018.

Debates Featuring Jason Johnson

Unresolved: American Policing

With Paul Butler, Jason Johnson, Rafael Mangual, Sue Rahr, Vikrant Reddy

September 30, 2020

Historic protests calling for police reform have erupted across the nation. But just what could these reforms mean? And how should we see the criminal justice system today? Staged in our “Unresolved” format, this debate brings together five experts to tackle pressing questions on the history and future of policing in the U.S. including: Should we defund the police? Do police unions do more harm than good? And has policing become too militarized?

Unresolved: American Policing

Historic protests calling for police reform have erupted across the nation. But just what could these reforms mean? And how should we see the criminal justice system today? Staged in our “Unresolved” format, this debate…

With Paul Butler, Jason Johnson, Rafael Mangual, Sue Rahr, Vikrant Reddy

September 30, 2020

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