It was only after speaking to friends in the online recovery community that I gained awareness of the millions of people out there who don’t utilize the 12 Steps. There are people in long-term recovery with five, ten, even 20 years of sobriety under their belts that don’t use the Steps. But, in the insanity of my early recovery, I tried to embrace the idea of God. I even went to church and wholeheartedly tried to like the idea of having a universal support and He knew what was best for me.
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Unlike the AA alternatives that came before, SOS is not a specific organization but instead a collection of individual organizations or programs to utilize. While they do have meetings, SOS is limited in accessibility. Fortunately, they have resources like their guide for the “First 30 Days” of recovery and pamphlets to pass on to friends and family as you go through this new part of your heroin addiction life. Acknowledging and celebrating the hard work of recovery is helpful for keeping you motivated and reminding you why you took this brave step toward sobriety in the first place. Just be sure that your rewards don’t involve drugs or alcohol.
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SOS-supported groups are nonprofessional and offer a healthy network of individuals with the similar goal of sobriety. Ultimately, the journey to staying sober requires vigilance, self-awareness, and a commitment to long-term well-being. Whether you’re attending AA meetings near me or using a sobriety calculator, resources are available to support your recovery. Explore our directory of therapists, online AA meetings, and other recovery resources to find the guidance you need to thrive in sobriety. There are many practical tips for getting sober without AA, such as creating a supportive environment, seeking professional help, and building a support system.
- While they acknowledge the strength of the Addict Self, they believe through meetings and constant self-evaluation and betterment, your Sober Self can push through and overcome your disease.
- The best AA alternative is one that you can fully commit to.
- There are many paths to changing your relationship with alcohol, and it may take some experimentation to figure out what treatment—or combination of treatments—is most effective for your unique needs.
- While its effectiveness and success is well documented, it is also clear that it does not work for everyone.
- Customers find the book helpful for understanding the 12 steps.
Ways I Stay Sober Without AA
If you’re involved in a 12-step program, you likely already know the importance of milestones. In these programs, it’s customary to receive plastic chips as you progress to the one-year mark, at which time you receive a bronze coin. One common mistake for those who are new to alcohol and drug recovery is substituting a new compulsive behavior for their old one. People new to recovery can find themselves approaching their new diet, exercise program, job, and even participation in support groups with a compulsion that echoes addiction. Now that you are sober, you may have discovered that some of your past relationships were not only unhealthy but downright toxic.
- A mental health professional can help you cope with some of the challenges you’ll face on your path to sobriety.
- I’ve seen people wince at those words, while others put the words to one side in a last-ditch effort – where all other efforts have failed – to try anything that works.
- This can be particularly concerning for individuals who are also trying to avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- You can quit drinking without Alcoholics Anonymous by understanding your addiction and ignoring your cravings.
How to Achieve Sobriety Without AA: 8 Powerful Strategies
I looked at availability in my area and what resonated with me the most. I was desperate, sick, and willing to do anything that stopped me from killing myself. I was one of the ones who put the ‘god part’ to one side – I overlooked the words. But I struggled to swallow them as I read the words repetitively while working through the program. They appreciate that it doesn’t provide spiritual advice and is not anti-God or anti-religion.
- If you feel like your drinking has gotten out of control and/or negatively affecting different parts of your life, a support group is an excellent place to start.
- And stay in touch with your sponsor and call them if you’re feeling anxious or uncomfortable.
- According to a report from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 30 million Americans aged 12 and older are currently struggling with an alcohol use disorder.
- These endorphins are responsible for the pleasurable, buzzed feeling you get from alcohol.
- LifeRing focuses mainly on the present – on living a full and positive sober life without dwelling too much on past indiscretions and hurts that may have been the result of problematic drinking.
When you drink alcohol, your brain releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. These endorphins are responsible for the pleasurable, buzzed feeling you get from alcohol. According to a report from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 30 million Americans aged 12 and older are currently struggling with an alcohol use disorder. Because one of the underlying premises of recovery is hope, seeing people who have made the journey into long-term recovery inspires others who are beginning their own journey to recovery.
Here’s How I Found Recovery Without God and the 12 Steps
The SMART Recovery program is not based on a spiritual foundation like AA; instead, it’s foundation is research-based. This means that scientific research and evidence are used to support the techniques and methods that are promoted through this model. Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world.
Insights from the community
Is my reaction to alcohol because I have an allergy to alcohol that sets off a physical craving for which there is no cure? If you think you have a drinking problem, you should check out AA. Without a doubt, going to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and being a part of the fellowship saved my life.
Staying Sober Without God: The Practical 12 Steps to Long-Term Recovery from Alcoholism and Addictions Kindle Edition
If you do not feel that AA is the program for you, the internet has many resources and may help people stay sober. Recognizing the problem of alcohol abuse is a pivotal first step on the path to sobriety. Please acknowledge that you have a problem with alcohol abuse and that it’s negatively impacting https://ecosoberhouse.com/ your life. As each case of AUD ranges from person to person, LifeRing believes individualized recovery plans are necessary.
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Alcohol addiction can how to stay sober without aa 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).
