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I was far more stubborn back then than I am now and would probably give a few different meetings a go if it was my last option or if I was faced with the possibility of relapse. But it would still be a struggle for me to get past that one. One of the principles of AA (I think it’s even the first one) is to admit that you’re powerless over your addiction. Maybe you don’t have to identify as an alcoholic to get sober with AA, but I don’t know… I also think you can’t be uncomfortable with the idea, either. Again, I think this may just be a function of being at the wrong meeting, but I didn’t know that at the time.
According to AA, about 26% of individuals maintain sobriety for over a year within the program. It’s essential to discuss your feelings, fears, and achievements during this process. Transparency builds trust within support networks, making it easier for them to provide appropriate assistance when needed. Connecting with others who are getting sober without aa also on the path towards sobriety offers unique benefits. Research shows that peer-led mutual aid groups like SMART Recovery or LifeRing Secular Recovery have been successful in helping individuals maintain long-term sobriety. Interventions are a common method used by families to encourage their loved ones to seek help for addiction.
What to Expect in a Sober Living Program
The people who cannot understand your moments of pride in sobriety aren’t the ones you need around you anyways. I assure you that if you surround yourself with other sober people, they will understand why you feel proud of what you’ve accomplished and (usually) celebrate with you. Even if you choose not to do AA, that doesn’t mean you have to fight your addiction alone. A counselor can address your personal issues and hold you accountable for your addiction. Using meditation, you can discover the triggers behind your addiction. That way you can be aware of your responses to these triggers.
Nevertheless, many people in the rooms end up “white-knucking” their way through sobriety, especially in the early stages. Strong cravings can make it feel like a battle of wills between you and alcohol. Read on to learn how to stop drinking without AA—including the many alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous—and how to decide which approach can help you quit drinking. Alcoholics Anonymous helps alcoholics stop drinking — and live a better life — one day at a time. Staying committed to your goal, even through setbacks, empowers you to overcome challenges and embrace your newfound sober lifestyle. Celebrating your progress reminds you of your strength and determination to maintain sobriety.
The Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs: Identifying the Risks
It allows you to express yourself freely without judgment, helping you gain insights into your emotional patterns related to addiction. Embarking on a journey to become “sober without AA” can seem daunting, yet it’s entirely possible with the right strategies and support systems in place. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various aspects of achieving long-term sobriety outside the traditional Alcoholics Anonymous framework.
- Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is a network of independent groups to help people achieve or maintain sobriety.
- I found myself witnessing shady drug deals and conversations about doctors handing out Xanax and opioids like candy (because if it’s prescribed, it must be okay, right?).
- It provides continuous support and a safe space to transition back into society.
- A therapist can help you learn new coping skills, develop new thinking patterns, and address any co-occurring mental health conditions that may make recovery more difficult.
- Being open and honest about sobriety also takes a measure of self-awareness, bravery, integrity, and dignity that many people will not understand unless they’ve struggled.
The good news is there are many other paths to help you moderate or manage your alcohol use, or to achieve full sobriety. Let’s explore some of the available alternatives to AA and 12-step programs. Sharing personal experiences with addiction recovery can be a powerful tool for inspiring and supporting others on their own recovery journey. The pathway to sobriety can be a rollercoaster, and slips are not unheard of. But don’t beat yourself up – experiencing a relapse doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Instead, it indicates areas that require more focus in your recovery process.
How to Stop Drinking without AA: A Complete Guide
Finally, many residential and outpatient programs are based on 12 step philosophy. If this perspective is a reason you want to stop drinking without AA, these won’t be suitable. But there have always been plenty of folks for whom AA doesn’t work. Some aren’t comfortable with surrendering control to a higher power, or declaring themselves “powerless” over alcohol. Others feel recovery is a private experience, and don’t want to share their struggles with people they don’t know.
At a glance, these messages make sense, but in reality, they are not practical. Yes, trying to love yourself and building routines that empower https://ecosoberhouse.com/ you with self-belief is essential. However, I know (from experience) that it doesn’t take self-love for other people to love you.
The Importance of Transparency During the Rehab Process
Either way, if you find yourself avoiding AA because you don’t want to quit drinking completely, this is a good solution to look into—and there are many ways to access it. Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is a network of independent groups to help people achieve or maintain sobriety. It’s another strong option for those looking for secular alternatives to AA meetings. The move toward a “whole-patient” approach to substance use disorder treatment involves a variety of modalities.
- Then, I enrolled in outpatient treatment so I could work towards sorting out my past trauma and self-hate.
- Many people who recognize that they have a drinking problem aren’t aware that there are alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous.
- There’s a bit of controversy in the sobersphere about donning the label of an “alcoholic”.
- Achieving sobriety without AA is entirely possible, and these eight strategies can guide you on your journey.