I also know that you do not have to believe in yourself 100% for others to believe in what you are doing. I don’t even think it’s possible to love and believe in yourself 100% of the time. Many more modern “sobriety programs” exist that are suitable solutions for people seeking sobriety with others without the issues mentioned above, such as SMART Recovery. There are also many online support groups full of friendly strangers ready to cheer you on, answer your questions, and support you without judgment. Shout out to SoberPunks Gang – The Quit Drinking Club.

I describe myself as sober because I don’t drink alcohol and I am habitually abstinent from drugs. But he is a devout Catholic so several times a year, he drinks a mouthful of wine as part of religious services. I don’t do the steps; Steve puts a great amount of faith and effort into them. When we vacation together, Steve smokes pot all the time; I rarely do. I eat mushrooms a couple of times a year; Steve would never think of such a thing.

How to Stay Sober From Alcohol Without AA

Atias led the organization’s COVID-19 preparedness strategy, resulting in all facilities remaining operational, and in 600 employees being retained as staff without resigning out of fear. In her role so far, she implemented licensure for three new states. It’s important to remember that there are innumerable approaches to recovery, and whatever you choose to help you, you’re not alone. The second biggest misconception about recovery is that leaving AA is synonymous with relapse. If someone wants to continue in recovery, they will find a way to do so.

There will be a time of discussion, which could be based on a specific topic from AA literature, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book), Twelve Steps, or Daily Reflections. Drugs and alcohol might have limited your options for fun and recreation. You might have only socialized in clubs, bars, or parties.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: The Trials and Tribulations of Traveling Sober

This is referred to as 12-Step work and it consists of rigorous honesty within yourself to go through this fact finding process about one’s self. The root of this gig is pure “selflessness” and this is the one precursor to becoming a successful member. However, it is still considered “all good” because this selflessness is what keeps us sober. In other words, the one who practices this is the one who benefits. It’s a “pay it forward” type of deal where no money is exchanged. I come from the 60s and 70s when speed was “black beauties or cross tops” not crack or crystal meth.

If you are in an area where there are many people around that you used to use with, you should consider moving. While this can be difficult, particularly if you have been in an area for a long time, sometimes the risks of relapsing simply are not worth it. Leaving harmful past relationships and forming healthy, supportive relationships always pays dividends. Some people use spending money as a way of not experiencing difficult thoughts and feelings.

What Happens if I Relapse?

AA is a secret society with no accurate active member count and no measurable success rate. An article in Wired on the organization’s 75th anniversary reported that, from the best information available, AA doesn’t work. Multiple accredited sources report that AA members fail to stay sober more often than they succeed.

Addiction recovery is about learning how to live life on life’s terms. You can find many pathways to a healthy and happy life. Sobriety is just one part of living a happy life in recovery. There are also online programs to help you quit drinking without AA. My company, Workit Health, has offers online, science-backed courses to help you beat alcoholism, all from your computer or phone. Whether or not you do 12-step along with it is up to you.

In some cases, there may be medication that can help with a drug or alcohol problem. In fact, the FDA has approved three drugs for treating alcoholism. For example, a lot https://ecosoberhouse.com/ of people don’t feel comfortable with the religious aspects of AA. AA isn’t explicitly religious, but it did grow out of a Christian organization called The Oxford Group.

Some of these medications help reduce the adverse side effects of detoxification and withdrawal, while others help reduce cravings and normalize body functions. If you have an alcohol problem and are trying to get and stay sober, you’re not alone. Staying sober and preventing relapse can be a difficult path. Fortunately, there are many ways to help you stick to your recovery journey.

Related to harm reduction, but also useful for complete sobriety, medications for alcohol use disorder are gaining increased popularity. Options like naltrexone and disulfiram have been around for sober without aa several decades, and there are now half a dozen effective choices in total. These medications can help reduce alcohol cravings, helping people to either cut back or stay sober after they’ve quit.

It is safe to say, as well, that staying sober without AA may prove to be more difficult than being able to stay sober while being involved with AA, as a member. It really only stands to reason just based on the statistics alone of the 2.5 million people that have maintained sobriety within the AA community. That fact alone is (or should be) enough to convince anyone struggling with addiction, that there is a solution available. It should also be known that the founders of the fellowship themselves have stated, “we do not claim a monopoly on recovery”, meaning AA may not be the only way to recover. Ria Health has already supported thousands of people to lasting recovery—without having to attend AA meetings. Learn more about our approach, or get started with us today.

I remember what AA taught me.

Surround yourself with friends, family, and other loved ones who support you. You may even turn to addiction support groups to meet other people who are in similar positions as you. It’s essential to take care of yourself, live a healthy lifestyle, and cut out alcohol if you have a problem. People die from excessive alcohol consumption every day.