Content
The fundamental belief of Alcoholics Anonymous, which is that we shouldn’t drink alcohol 100% of the time, works. I also think that, if possible, it is a great idea to make amends with the people and things that make you feel regret. The most common feedback I’ve received comes from people https://ecosoberhouse.com/ who want to be sober with others but do not want to partake in Alcoholics Anonymous. Several of the twelve steps rely on giving up control to a higher power. Non-religious people may find it difficult to start the twelve steps if they don’t believe in a higher power of any kind.
- The more recovered I got, the less sense it made to attribute aspects of my character simply to alcoholism.
- I ate my vegetables and took my vitamins and did my homework.
- Also, with the exception of online rehab, these programs can be very disruptive to work and family life.
We have placed the sandbags, we have carried the stones. We know the difference between a harmless trickle of water and the precursor to a flood. And we’ve become experts at differentiating between the two because it’s our own selves that are at risk of being washed away. But you don’t need to be in a 12-step program to have a buddy. Ask someone you respect if they can be your “go-to” friend in times of need. It’s great if this can be someone successful in their own recovery program or a substance abuse coach, as they will be the most qualified to support you on your journey.
What’s so Special About AA?
Ironically, thanks in great part to the work I did in 12-step programs, I learned that alcoholism wasn’t my only problem — or even my biggest problem. The best way forward for your recovery from alcohol or substance use is to incorporate a wide variety of strategies that will help foster success. Remember to care for yourself, seek supportive stay sober without aa relationships, and consider seeking help from a therapist. You may also experience what is commonly called sobriety fatigue, which refers to the overall exhaustion that may occur as a result of the emotional and physical stress of staying sober. So, it’s extra helpful to have a support network available to you when you need it.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a list of online recovery resources.
- Religious experiences and other self-help groups can also boast of providing substance to sobriety.
- Mental Health For Teens Learn about our evidence-based approach to depression and behavioral health conditions.
- Being sober is challenging, especially in the beginning.
- The more you spend your time doing this, the less you’ll spend drinking.
- As mentioned above, there are many ways to become and stay sober from alcohol; it is not a numbers game.
Not only is this much more flexible to your schedule, it’s also significantly more affordable. Start by talking to a doctor to make sure it is safe for you to go through withdrawal without medical care, and create a list of people to call just in case. If you think you can stick with it, creating a tapering schedule and gradually reducing how much you drink is usually the best approach. If you plan to quit cold turkey , make sure you are well-stocked with everything you’ll need for the week—withdrawal can make you feel very ill. One of the challenges of getting sober with AA is about willpower. 12 step philosophy emphasizes surrendering control to higher power.
Why You Might Benefit From an AA Alternative
But I think it’s an important factor to understanding long-term recovery. Even though AA hasn’t been the route I’ve taken, I agree that it works if you work it. If you are committed to finding the addiction treatment, therapies, or plans that work best for you, you will have a better chance at success.
Granted, it was our first night in the country, and I was probably experiencing jet lag in addition to the effects of the booze. It was the exact kind of feeling that, prior to sobriety, I’d have drunk more to get rid of… I remind myself that there are lots of good reasons not to drink. The more recovered I got, the less sense it made to attribute aspects of my character simply to alcoholism. Without a doubt, going to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and being a part of the fellowship saved my life. Well, I was thinking that the host knew I didn’t drink, as beforehand, he’d asked me if I ate food prepared with alcohol and I told him yes.
Leave a reply