It involves strategies to address the effects of addiction, effective relapse prevention strategies, and exploring sober communities. Having a plan to navigate urges and cravings in sobriety is essential to breaking addiction and dependency. Simply experiencing an urge to reengage with drugs or alcohol does not mean that sobriety is impossible. Thrive helps you take control of alcohol through naltrexone and the Sinclair Method, combining neuroscience and behavior change to transform your drinking habits for good. 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.
The Role of an AA Sponsor
Moderation Management, This group began in 1993, providing peer support for reduction of drinking-either to lower levels or total abstinence. They state they provide (but do not say how) a variety of behavioral change guidelines and measures for success. They offer 9 Steps Toward Moderation and Positive Lifestyle Change. Continuing to attend individual therapy and group therapy to address urges, cravings, and mental health disorders can help establish healthy, sober routines. Attended her first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous in Sudbury on February 16, 1977 at the age of 26. She was desperate to get and stay sober, which she has done since that first meeting.
years sober + 4 tips for sobriety without AA
To find a group therapy session, you can check with mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practices, or search online for local support groups. Staying sober without AA can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. One effective way to stay sober is to develop coping mechanisms that work for you. Coping mechanisms can be anything from meditation to hobbies, such as painting or playing an instrument. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a treatment method that uses medication to help individuals manage their substance use disorder. MAT is often used in conjunction with other treatment methods, such as counseling and therapy.
Why Stay Sober Without AA?
It can also assist individuals in cultivating coping strategies, recognizing their behavior, and building a reliable support system with a support group committed to their well-being. It requires dedication, commitment, and a willingness to seek out alternative methods of support. Remember that Recovery is a journey, not a destination, and it’s okay to stumble along the way.
A big part of long-term recovery is building a sober life you are happy with. Identify some things you enjoy doing that don’t involve drinking, and cultivate those new rituals and activities. Finally, treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) isn’t limited to the 12 steps.
Support
Do not allow COVID-19 to stop you from seeking the care you need. Sober living house We are here to answer your questions and alleviate any concerns. From gourmet cuisine to our spacious, 10,000 square foot estate, Silver Ridge provides a tranquil and peaceful setting for recovery. All of these and more are legitimate reasons to look for an AA alternative.
Exploring Alternatives to 12-Step Programs in Addiction Recovery
- Some inspiring examples of online communities include Sober Grid, Recovery Dharma Online, and 7 Cups.
- When you’re in the throes of an AUD, there are likely others around you who are supporting and even enabling your addictive behavior.
- I believed there had to be a better way—one that offered more flexibility and a sense of control.
- A 2014 study showed that “baseline motivation and self-efficacy” are key predictors of moderation success (5).
- I used to think sobriety meant swapping liquor for loneliness.
- I just would like some perspectives from people who have gotten and stayed sober without a 12 step program.
- Keeping consistent routines such as morning alarms, mealtimes, and more can all help to structure each person’s daily sober life.
Number one, you need to find yourself an accountability partner and let them know you’re done drinking. Checking in daily with this person will help you stay strong on those days you really just feel like having a drink. You don’t have to confide in someone who is also sober, just someone you can trust and how to stay sober without aa who will be supportive of your decision. Obviously, this shouldn’t be your drinking buddy who might say something dumb about how they went out drinking yesterday or slip up and invite you over for a drink. This person should be wise enough to help you stay away from the bottle without these obvious triggers.
Medication
Its program is based on the principles of Sobriety, personal responsibility, and self-improvement. SOS also offers face-to-face and online meetings, as well as a forum where members can connect and support each other. Their program teaches skills that can help you stay motivated in your sobriety and cope with cravings. Its foundation is based in science, rather than spirituality. Many people have found success with SMART’s alternatives to AA meetings.
- Likewise, a slip or relapse in recovery does not mark the end of a person’s recovery journey.
- Additionally, it can help lower the risk of overdose in opioid users.
- Instead, MM focuses on helping people to manage problematic drinking and behaviors that are destructive, aiding in encouraging positive lifestyle changes.
It’s especially helpful to find ones that take place in a group setting, even occasionally. This way, you can connect with others in your community and plug in at a deeper level. As a member, you can also access “The Wall,” a forum where members of the community post stories, ideas, questions and discussions about recovery and sobriety.