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. Regardless of the difference in our needs, the most important thing is that we just don’t drink. Your sobriety is your own, and how you do it is entirely up to you. Yes, we can share in their joy and be proud of their path, but remember that there is no only way to do this. Every single path to recovery, even those that require the assistance of others, is deeply personal.
Is Achieving Sobriety Possible Without Attending AA?
This especially may help if people are thinking about taking a drink of alcohol. Sometimes, in recovery, people may feel run-down, tired, and unhappy. If you are looking for support and treatment that provide alternatives to AA meetings, you can reach out to one of our admissions navigators at . They can provide you with the support and information you need as you begin on your path toward recovery. Participants were also offered an open response to describe what recovery means to them.
Anyone Can Learn How to Stay 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. But I would rather this happen than return to the life I was living prior https://yourhealthmagazine.net/article/addiction/sober-houses-rules-that-you-should-follow/ to sobriety.
- 7 Cups is an online platform that provides free, anonymous emotional support through trained listeners and online therapy sessions.
- 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.
- For some, the structured nature of AA may not feel like the right fit for their personal recovery journey.
- She has over a decade of experience in building and operating metrics-driven brand, demand generation, and customer experience teams.
Another advantage of staying sober without AA is the opportunity to build a support system outside of the program. While AA meetings can provide a sense of community, it is possible to find support in other ways. One benefit of staying sober without AA is the ability to customize your own recovery plan. Without the constraints of a specific program, you have the freedom to explore different treatment options and find what works best for you. Recovery from alcohol addiction is challenging, and not one that should be pursued alone. But if AA or recovery groups in general aren’t for you, consider meeting with a counselor to help you create healthy coping mechanisms and beneficial means of dealing with unwanted thoughts and behaviors.
Residential treatment can last days, and gives you a chance for a full reset. Outpatient rehab lets you continue living at home and attend treatment for several hours per day. Online rehab is the least disruptive, letting you talk to doctors and coaches from home via your phone. This can include avoiding places or people that trigger your urge to drink or setting a limit on how much alcohol you allow yourself to consume. This may include therapy, medication-assisted treatment, or holistic approaches such as yoga and meditation. Others may have had negative experiences with AA in the past and are seeking alternative methods of support.
Recognize Relapse Warning Signs
- Excessive drinking has numerous impacts on your body and mind, ranging from mild to severe.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are two types of therapy that have been shown to be effective in treating addiction.
- It targets neurotransmitters involved in alcohol dependence, such as glutamate and GABA, providing support for a successful recovery journey.
- Consequently, the abstinence-only approach increases the risk for adverse consequences, including overdose 28, 29.
- Some aren’t comfortable with surrendering control to a higher power, or declaring themselves “powerless” over alcohol.
- Again, AA has never claimed to have an exclusive inside angle on recovery.
Most of them involve an oyster swimming in its own juice or tomato juice, though sometimes it’s cocktail sauce. Usually there’s a lemon wedge and some hint of Tabasco — and yes, there’s usually at least a little booze. All of these and more are legitimate reasons to look for an AA alternative. And fortunately, there are many other effective choices out there.
Sobriety coaches work with clients to reduce Sober Houses Rules That You Should Follow or stop their drinking, often using CBT techniques like motivational interviewing (MI). A 2018 study found that MI can have a positive effect on people with AUD, including increasing their self-esteem (7). If you are able to maintain moderate drinking, it may work for you.
FAQ: Alternatives to AA and 12-step programs
- I’ve seen what it does to their bodies, families, and livelihoods.
- If you’re wondering if it’s possible to achieve sobriety without attending AA meetings, the answer is a resounding yes.
- By utilizing these resources and connecting with others in recovery, you can build a supportive network that fosters sobriety and personal growth.
- According to AA, about 26% of individuals maintain sobriety for over a year within the program.
I assure you that if you surround yourself with other sober people, they will understand why you feel proud of what you’ve accomplished and (usually) celebrate with you. I’ve also witnessed the fantastic potential and empowerment that often emerges by building relationships with people in recovery. Extraordinary magic comes with being in the company of people that are in the process of growing beyond what they knew they could ever be capable of.
Distance yourself from people who threaten the success of your sobriety. Your first responsibility is to your recovery, and it’s important to protect it by making necessary changes. Their expertise and support will equip you with the skills to cope with cravings, triggers, and emotional struggles. The personalized approach of professional help ensures that you receive tailored assistance. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health, which sometimes includes substance use disorders.
A 2014 study showed that “baseline motivation and self-efficacy” are key predictors of moderation success (5). In other words, those who are motivated and believe they can successfully moderate their drinking tend to have the best results. According to addiction specialists and Alcoholics Anonymous’ Big Book, up to 75% of members stay abstinent or remain sober after relapses.
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 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.
An exploration of desired abstinent and non-abstinent recovery outcomes among people who use methamphetamine
It can even reduce pain, anxiety, and alcohol cravings, according to a 2018 review of mindfulness research as it relates to AUD (8). It’s understandable if you don’t want to share this part of your life with friends or family. Find a support system that works for you and take the steps necessary to begin your journey of recovery today. Although Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a popular method for getting sober, there are many different pathways that can lead to long-term sobriety. Don’t be afraid to explore other options to find the right path for you.
Find an Alcohol Recovery Program Near You
To analyze quantitative data, continuous data were summarized using means, and categorical data were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Data collected with open ended questions were manually categorized in Microsoft Excel. These two coders independently reviewed the open-ended responses, and iteratively classified responses across the emerging categories to reach consensus on the resulting themes. Other members of the team audited the resulting themes for consistency and construct validity.
In terms of cognitive functioning, there was little variability in terms of responses as participants endorsed all four domains as “important” or “very important” to recovery. Even though the open-ended questions asked about non-drug-related recovery outcomes, it is worth noting that participants clarified that their concern was ultimately drug-related. This was especially true for cognitive functioning domains, which were tied directly to drug use. For instance, many participants described impulsivity as a vehicle for relapse. There has also been a growing acceptance of non-problematic substance use as a marker of recovery among people with lived experience 17.