Tracey Logan
As a senior science journalist for BBC Radio since 1990, Tracey Logan covered some of the biggest science stories of recent times, from the human genome project to the building of the internet, the search for life on Mars, the revolutionary impact of mobile phones, and the recent discovery of remains of a new human species in Indonesia. The numerous awards she received for her work as a radio presenter and producer include the BT Technology Journalists Award of Excellence and the BT Technology Journalist of the Year award. Her programs have appeared both on BBC World Service and Radio. She has also written extensively on technology and engineering for BBC News Online.
| Article |
BBC News
Health
Raising Spirits to Combat Alchoholism
Problem drinkers attending the faith-based Alcoholics Anonymous groups are 30% more likely than others to remain sober for at least two years, according to research published this month. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, found their treatment also costs 30% less than conventional cognitive behavioural therapy. According to lead researcher Dr. Keith Humphreys, based at Stanford University, this is because it requires fewer hospital visits and admissions. Up to 80% of alcohol dependent patients start drinking again within six months of a hospital detox. So why do AA members have a better chance than average? Dr Humphreys told the BBC’s Health Check programme that many AA members point to the spiritual component of their 12-step programme as crucial in fighting the urge to drink. |
| Radio Broadcast |
BBC World Service
Health Check
Alcohol and Spirituality
How far can spirituality help alcoholics stay sober? In Health Check this week Tracey Logan looks at two non-medical approaches which use spiritual growth to combat alcoholism. Alcoholics Anonymous is the world’s biggest self-help group with meetings in 85 different countries. Research has shown that it helps more people than conventional treatments and counselling. It was originally inspired by a form of evangelical Christianity in 1930s America, and its 12-step programme emphasises a God or Higher Power, as well as taking responsibility and helping others. But AA is very flexible, and its Higher Power isn’t fixed, which means the group has flourished among non-Christians and atheists. |