Krista Conger

In the following viewpoint Krista Conger, who represents the Office of Communications and Public Affairs for the Stanford Medical Center, claims that a study conducted by the center found that the twelve-step approach to addiction treatment is less expensive and more effective than cognitive-behavioral approaches. Twelve-step approaches (such as Alcoholics Anonymous) emphasize seeking spiritual help for substance-abuse problems, Conger maintains, while cognitive-behavioral programs teach coping skills. According to Conger, the study suggests that twelve-step treatment approaches save money because patients seek self-help rather than medical help upon release from treatment centers. Moreover, nearly 46 percent of those in twelve-step programs remained sober one year after discharge, she claims. Conger writes for Stanford Medicine and Stanford Report.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In Conger’s view, what has happened to...