They can help motivate a person to remain sober to reach the next milestone. Getting support doesn’t have to mean going to rehab, although that is an option. Support can also look like joining in-person and online support groups.
For people with severe alcohol use disorder, or who expect intense withdrawal symptoms, some form of medical detox may be necessary. Sudden withdrawal from heavy drinking can be dangerous or even fatal, so it’s best to have a doctor’s supervision. If you have a milder drinking problem, you might be able to go it alone. Finally, treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) isn’t limited to the 12 steps. Other approaches like harm-reduction, medication-assisted treatment, and moderation-based programs may help you succeed if AA isn’t a good match for you.
Step 7: Participate in Aftercare Programs
Sobriety isn’t achieved overnight; it requires commitment and dedication over time. No feat is too small; each step forward brings you closer to your goal. Your loved ones play a crucial role in your recovery process. They offer comfort during tough times and celebrate your victories along the way. It’s critical that your family comprehends what you’re enduring so they can furnish successful backing. Healthline provides some useful tips on recognizing and managing addiction triggers.
- If none of these options sound good to you, you can build the recovery community you feel is lacking in the world.
- That said, there have always been people who are able to quit drinking without a group or a program.
- You can take advantage of these places to start your amazing journey to recovery.
- It can seem intimidating to look at the end goal and know the many steps it will take to get sober.
Too many people are stuck believing they have no other choice. By Buddy T
Buddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. 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.
Is AA the only solution for addiction?
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. Still others feel uncomfortable with the label “alcoholic,” or simply can you stay sober without aa want to cut back—not quit completely as AA requires. 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. Sharing personal experiences with addiction recovery can be a powerful tool for inspiring and supporting others on their own recovery journey.
The Irrationality of Alcoholics Anonymous – The Atlantic
The Irrationality of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Posted: Wed, 15 Apr 2015 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Learn that you have choices and that you can maintain control. If any area of your life is out of control, it will not help you maintain lasting sobriety. Although these new activities are healthy and productive, they can be a stumbling block to lasting recovery if they become a transfer addiction to fill the void left by the original addiction.
What are some self-help techniques for staying sober without AA?
That said, there are many options to consider if you want to quit drinking without Alcoholic Anonymous. You can as well get professional help from a rehabilitation center. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings https://ecosoberhouse.com/ have been beneficial to many people who are affected by alcohol. However, these meetings may not fulfil the needs of everyone. Below are ways you can quit drinking without this mutual fellowship.
- But don’t beat yourself up – experiencing a relapse doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
- Whether or not you are interested in a spiritual program, finding something to live for (other than booze) can motivate your recovery.
- This scientifically proven treatment teaches you how to regulate your emotions and end self-destructive cycles.
- There are many alternatives to AA that can help individuals overcome addiction and maintain long-term Sobriety.
- Whether this is some sort of spiritual program, giving back to your community, getting involved in recovery activism, is all up to you.
If you need sober friends and don’t do support groups, Meetup has great local activities that will allow you to get out of the bars and meet people in positive environments. Exercise can support your recovery by boosting your brain, battling the brain disorder of alcohol use disorder. This isn’t talked about in 12-step much but it’s a life-saver. Check out why person in long-term recovery and counselor, Chrissy Taylor, encourages exercise in early sobriety. Exercise will get your endorphins pumping, reduce cravings, and make you feel better. There are also online treatment programs to help you quit drinking without AA.
What is behind your drinking?
But there are other options, and as a society, we’re beginning to accept that those other options work. There are endless options to try for support and guidance if you’d struggling with alcohol. It requires dedication, commitment, and a willingness to seek out alternative methods of support. Remember that Recovery is a journey, not a destination, and it’s okay to stumble along the way. It’s important to learn how to manage your emotions in a healthy way. One way to do this is to practice mindfulness, which can help you stay present and aware of your thoughts and feelings.