Recent research suggests that a problem with alcoholics anonymous is:

Alcoholics anonymous (AA) is an overtrusted method conducted by non-professionals, heavily relying on having faith on the effectiveness of its 12 steps, and that in case of failure attributes it solely to the lack of will of the patient.

In the US, AA is like a Bible. If a person has an addictive problem with booze, AA is the only solution, which works if the will of the 'patient' is strong enough to follow its path. It is the most widespread treatment which has no scientific support.  Such a treatment actually ignores other alternatives that have been recently developed and whose validity has been proved in randomized and controlled studies. These alternative treatments include prescription drugs and therapies in order to make patients learn how to drink in moderation.