This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:

The primary objective of this review is to evaluate the efficacy of Alcoholics Anonymous mutual help groups, operated by peers, and TSF interventions, operated by professionals. Both will be evaluated relative to other interventions for AUD by examining their effects on abstinence, drinking intensity, and drinking‐related consequences. The secondary objective is to examine the healthcare utilization cost impact of Alcoholics Anonymous attendance and of TSF.

In this review, Alcoholics Anonymous attendance and TSFs will be compared with the following interventions.

1) Other clinical interventions (e.g. motivational enhancement therapy (MET), cognitive‐behavioral therapies (CBT), etc.).

2) Other 12‐step program variants (e.g. studies comparing different types of 12‐step interventions).

3) No treatment (e.g. wait list control).