I just know that I left feeling worse than when I’d arrived. It consisted of people ruminating on some of the horrors of the past and reflecting on where they’d been, some of the mistakes they’d made and how awful things were. I strongly prefer uplifting support and if I had my way, would want to talk more about strategy than how bad things can or could get. The soul-crushing rat race of corporate life was already sucking the life out of me. But even though my job was only 15 miles away from home, I’d spend 3 hours driving in traffic each day commuting to and from work.

• As recovery became my focus, I eventually introduced these guys to my connections.
• Still others feel uncomfortable with the label “alcoholic,” or simply want to cut back—not quit completely as AA requires.
• Part of the art of staying sober (or moderate) long-term is knowing what these triggers are, and how to manage them.
• Establishing a routine with regular sleep and support group attendance can reduce stress and help you stay sober.

Educating Yourself on the Dangers of Alcohol and Other Drugs

AA If you like the accountability and community of regular meetings, SMART Recovery may be a good option for you. The group works on developing techniques to enhance this version of self instead of the addict self who has previously been in control of all decisions and led to destruction in life. Each person is encouraged to find their own method of encouraging their sober self within a LifeRing program.

Getting Sober Without AA: My Focus For the First Few Years of Recovery

Many people who recognize that they have a drinking problem aren’t aware that there are alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous. This article, for example, outlines the CORE process, which stands for Commit, Objectify, Respond, Enjoy. By employing these simple techniques, you can beat the bottle quietly — and for free — in the dignity of your own home. The SMART Recovery program is not based on a spiritual foundation like AA; instead, it’s foundation is research-based.

• You might also prefer to drink coffee, tea, a seltzer with fresh fruit, or a soda with fresh lemon or lime.
• Triggers for using drugs and alcohol typically are people, places, and things that remind you of your addictive behavior or encourage the use of substances you’re avoiding.
• The soul-crushing rat race of corporate life was already sucking the life out of me.
• If you are trying to maintain a sober lifestyle, those feelings can become toxic and contribute to relapse if you don’t deal with them properly.
• The organization is upfront about the fact that 30 percent of its members go on to abstinence-based programs, if moderation didn’t work for them.
• It does get better,’ she added for those who might be struggling.

Women for Sobriety

You can quit drinking without Alcoholics Anonymous by understanding your addiction and ignoring your cravings. When you first get sober, set your intention and make a clear plan so you know exactly what you’re doing. Whenever you get a craving, distract yourself by doing something you enjoy, like watching TV, getting sober without aa learning a new hobby, or cooking a meal. Understand that it’s only a small part of you that wants the drink and it will go away once it realizes it’s not getting what it wants. Quitting alcohol can be a long road, so enjoy each milestone. Celebrate a week sober, a month sober, 3 months sober and so on.

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. HAMS stands for Harm Reduction, Abstinence, and Moderation Support. As the name suggests, the organization doesn’t dictate either abstinence or moderation, it simply encourages people to be safe and responsible in their attitudes to alcohol. It does this through a book, online community resources, live meetings, and its “17 elements”—recommendations that can be completed in any order, none of which is compulsory. Elements include charting your drinking behavior and learning to have fun without booze.

• One 2020 study found potential benefits of combining in-person and online support methods.
• Whether or not you do 12-step along with it is up to you.
• Regular exercise releases endorphins, serving as a natural mood booster and providing a healthier outlet for emotional release.
• It is abstinence-focused, and designed to be compatible with a variety of other treatment resources.
• It’s a worldwide support network and arguably the leading alternative to AA.
• Many people who recognize that they have a drinking problem aren’t aware that there are alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous.

SMART Recovery

Alcohol Addiction Treatment