While a reformed system might still refer some people to 12-step meetings for additional support, it would not include professional treatment based on it. There’s no need to pay for what people can get for free—and no need to twist the voluntary steps into a coercive and often harmful approach that encourages abusive behavior by treatment staff in order to create a sense of powerlessness. A better treatment system would also never make referrals to mutual help groups without discussing both the potential risks and benefits—and would always offer alternatives for those who prefer them.
