I'm in the same boat -- vaguely recall something, but not exactly what. And I can't remember what the study was trying to isolate. Googling is alcoholics anonymous effective seems to suggest that it is not very effective, but that's not comparing it to other methods.

Also, one would have to look at the end goal: abstinence or moderation. AA only has one option: abstinence. It does not allow for successful social drinking, but teaches only that an alcoholic cannot ever drink successfully.

I believed that about myself for a long time. I now think that in my younger days I had a lot of emotional issues and few tools. Having leveled out significantly as I've aged and as I've seen an increase in how I cope, I started doubting that I would use substances in a crutch or escape-like manner... and so far my doubts appear to have been justified.