Non-AA Recovery Groups: 5 Alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous

how to stay sober without aa

Several smartphone apps offer ways to connect with others who are going through the same things you are. In addition to guidance and support, some of the apps also can help you get immediate help from your network or find a ride to a support group meeting. SOS believes all members must desire to change, find the motivation within to make new choices, and, most importantly, remain abstinent from alcohol while in the organization. how to stay sober without aa WFS focuses on the thoughts we have and the power we have over them.

how to stay sober without aa

This reporter got first question at White House presser — after ‘begging’ staff to avoid briefing room

how to stay sober without aa

The answer was more negative consequences of drinking and more positive associations with God and/or spirituality. Interestingly, as of 2019, 73 percent of addiction treatment https://ecosoberhouse.com/ programs in the United States used a spiritual component,6 the majority referencing God or a Higher Power. Contact a healthcare professional or addiction specialist who can assess your situation and provide guidance. These professionals can offer a comprehensive evaluation of your alcohol abuse.

Community

One thing that has kept me sober is that I no longer wanted to be the person I was as a drinker. I’m not just referring to how I behaved while under the influence, but my general demeanor, reputation, and options for life were all begging for a massive change. You also need a reason that will help keep you from having relapses, dealing with withdrawal, and staying committed to your goal of sobriety.

  • Talk to your therapist, other healthcare provider, or sponsor about how to deal with your anger in ways that won’t cause you to harm yourself or others or turn to alcohol or drugs.
  • Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website.
  • Thus, committing to alcohol-free days paves the way for significant lifestyle improvements.

SOS Alcoholism Program

Please acknowledge that you have a problem with alcohol abuse and that it’s negatively impacting your life. Deciding to overcome an alcohol addiction is a brave step. Eliminating this dangerous and harmful behavior from your life can improve your wellness, strengthen your relationships, and put you on the path toward a brighter and healthier future. Avoiding temptations might sound simple enough in theory, but it can be difficult to eliminate everything that drives you to drink. This is another reason why professional treatment is so helpful.

  • Learn that you have choices and that you can maintain control.
  • Whether this is some sort of spiritual program, giving back to your community, getting involved in recovery activism, is all up to you.
  • Some of the immediate changes you will need to make will be obvious—like not hanging around the people that you used with or obtained drugs from.
  • The alcohol prompts them to hide behind their stress and fear instead of coping with it.

The decision to consume non-alcoholic beer should be approached with caution and discussed with trusted professionals, such as therapists or sponsors from the 12 steps of AA. Attending “AA near me” or engaging in other local support, such as incorporating AA prayers, can also help individuals. Whether non-alcoholic beer compromises one’s ability to stay sober depends on several factors. For a more structured approach, various professional resources are available for alcohol dependency treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modifies negative thought patterns related to drinking and equips individuals with coping strategies. Medications like Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram can assist in managing cravings and deterring alcohol use.

This withdrawal can be physical, mental, or psychological; your level of alcohol dependence will determine the type and severity of your withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, there aren’t any alcohol withdrawal symptoms that are life-threatening or even need medical supervision. You feel like your friends and family won’t understand or support your decision to stop drinking. For additional support, you can also look into professional outpatient treatment programs. Our Intensive Outpatient program consists of two individual therapy sessions each week, as well as group therapy sessions and educational didactic group sessions.

What is the best alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?

There is no “one true path” to changing your relationship with drinking. Try a few different treatments and stick with what works for you. One-on-one psychotherapy with a trained therapist is another way to address your drinking. There are therapists who specialize in AUD, and psychiatrists can prescribe medication for AUD or co-occurring mental health conditions.

SMART Recovery Groups for Alcohol Addiction

Sharing your progress and setbacks with others can help you stay strong, and you can also benefit from learning about their journeys. Alcohol addiction can negatively affect a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health. These effects can be long-reaching and can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences. You can learn more about the dangers of alcoholism in this resource from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Explore office-based opioid treatment options for effective addiction recovery and a path to a healthier life.

how to stay sober without aa

If it seems like some people can’t catch a break when it comes to breaking free of their addiction, according to science, Halfway house many people have their genetics to blame. If you’re considering getting sober without AA, how should you go about it? Here are some of the tips to help you on how to get sober without AA. There’s no denying a 12-Step modality, as outlined in their Big Book, works for many. But it will only work if you find a higher power – what they describe in their literature as God.

how to stay sober without aa

Impact of Yoga for Recovery Benefits

I believed I needed to improve my self-esteem, rather than conform to a set of steps written by men in 1939. Even if the achievement doesn’t seem overly significant by someone else’s standards, it’s important to recognize it and celebrate it. Your progress is personal, and reinforcing your positive behavior can help you stay strong as you recover. It may take time to adjust to a more rigid schedule, especially if you’re used to living moment-by-moment within your addiction. Having excessive amounts of free time can be a major trigger for those struggling with alcoholism.

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