How to Get Sober Without AA

I met people who knew the devastation of hardcore drinking, as well as the joys of living alcohol-free. I may not go to meetings anymore, but I still keep in touch with these kinds of people. Everyone who comes through our doors is in a moment of profound struggle in their lives. We support them through a life-changing process of healing and recovery, and they leave our facilities changed. As mentioned above, it also allows us to have a national brand, which will make us a recognizable name in the addiction and mental health field. The longer a person stays in AA, and the more frequently they attend meetings, the more likely they are to remain sober, but AA is not the solution for everyone.

SMARTTeaches skills to help you stay motivated in your sobriety and cope with cravings.2. The Sinclair MethodEvidence-based treatment that uses naltrexone to reduce alcohol cravings and alcohol intake.3. OarOnline recovery program featuring naltrexone, community support, & science-backed treatment.4. Community SupportHaving people with whom to share your struggles & successes can help keep you motivated.5.

Getting Sober: 17 Ways You Probably Didn’t Know About (#8 is Controversial)

The current statistics say the deck is stacked against us to begin with because the road to recovery is slim and for few to begin with. It’s not because recovery is not available to everyone. It’s been effective for at least 2.5 million in AA alone, not including the other fellowship stats of recovered individuals. None of these 2.5 million people had any guarantee that there recovery efforts would be successful. What made them successful was that they realized they were involved in the process and were willing to get out of their own way and be led down a different path.

I come from the 60s and 70s when speed was “black beauties or cross tops” not crack or crystal meth. Being that I was an “Old School ” heroin addict and the dope was uncut, I have watched the heroin being stepped on and replaced with Fentanyl as an SUD Counselor now working in treatment. I also see the synthetic prescription stay sober without aa opiates like Oxy, Norcos and Vicodin that are becoming major gateways to long term addiction. Medication-assisted treatment uses FDA-approved medications to diminish physical dependency and reduce or prevent withdrawal symptoms. Here’s how it can help you detox safely, relieve cravings, reduce relapse, and sustain recovery.

Getting Sober Without AA—What Are Your Options?

It may help to pick a quit date, or a day when you choose to discontinue use of alcohol or drugs. It’s also helpful to change your environment—for instance, avoid going to bars. At some point in your recovery, you’ll feel stressed out, whether it’s major stress or minor stress .

These might be more in line with your personal beliefs or goals. Depending on where you live or where the meetings are, AA groups might lean heavily toward one age, cultural https://ecosoberhouse.com/ background or gender. To ensure that all of our content is credible and thoroughly legitimate, it is medically reviewed and fact-checked for complete accuracy.

Stay Cool and Calm

There is a big difference between Alcoholics Anonymous and rehab programs, and it’s important to find a program that fits your needs and meets your expectations. Here are a few other things you can look into, if you are finding that AA is not fulfilling your needs. Receive weekly insights to help you and your loved ones on your road to recovery.

• Because when I stopped drinking, I filled that gaping chasm in my life with the opposite of drinking.
• Excessive drinking has numerous impacts on your body and mind, ranging from mild to severe.
• Studies show that certain brain chemicals play a role in addiction.
• The SMART Recovery program is not based on a spiritual foundation like AA is; instead, it’s foundation is research-based.
• If you don’t want to quit alcohol completely, or have had too much trouble staying 100% sober in the past, harm reduction might be the right approach.

Think about going to counseling or family therapy to help with that and to deal with other personal issues. 12-step meetings are not a place to seek or receive any medical advice, especially when it pertains to medication. To find a treatment program, browse the top-rated addiction treatment facilities in each state by visiting our homepage, or by viewing the SAMHSA Treatment Services Locator. We do not receive any compensation or commission for referrals to other treatment facilities. RehabAdviser.com is a tool for individuals seeking to find a Drug and/or Alcohol Rehab.

Don’t Attend Gatherings That Involve Alcohol

You may find that you enjoy certain aspects of AA, but also require additional recovery support from non-AA recovery treatments. There is no “one true path” to changing your relationship with drinking. Try a few different treatments and stick with what works for you.

• Finally, many residential and outpatient programs are based on 12 step philosophy.
• This gives you a quick and easy explanation for why you aren’t drinking.
• If you have a severe alcohol addiction, visit your doctor so they can help you quite safely and direct you to other resources.
• Study showed that just over half of those who recover do so with the help of mutual-aid recovery programs like AA, followed by treatment, recovery support services, and medication-assisted treatments .
• Developed by Dr. John D. Sinclair, the Sinclair Method is an evidence-based treatment for AUD that involves taking naltrexone.
• The good news is there are many other paths to help you moderate or manage your alcohol use, or to achieve full sobriety.