According to research, these programs can be incredibly beneficial for long-term sobriety. 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. Sobriety coaches work with clients to reduce 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). One-on-one psychotherapy with a trained therapist is another way to address your drinking.
Exploring Sober Living Programs
Additionally, counseling can help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms and improve their overall mental health. You can quit drinking without Alcoholics Anonymous by understanding your addiction and ignoring your cravings. When you first get sober, set your intention and make a clear plan so you know exactly what you’re doing. Whenever you get a craving, distract yourself by doing something you enjoy, like watching TV, learning a new hobby, or cooking a meal. Understand that it’s only a small part of you that wants the drink and it will go away once it realizes it’s not getting what it wants. Celebrate a week sober, a month sober, 3 months sober and so on.
- We believe in the power of this collective support and understand that helping others on their journey can also be an essential part of your own recovery.
- This can help you focus on something positive instead of turning to alcohol.
- By utilizing this platform, you can receive the support you need during your recovery journey and connect with others facing similar challenges.
- Check out why person in long-term recovery and counselor, Chrissy Taylor, encourages exercise in early sobriety.
- SOS hosts both online and physical face-to-face meetings to help people overcoming any form of addiction, from behavioral addictions to drug and alcohol addictions.
What are some alternative programs to AA for staying sober?
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. Alcoholics Anonymous, and many older treatment programs, emphasize total abstinence from drinking as the only solution. However, newer perspectives on treatment now accept moderation, or cutting back, as an acceptable answer to problem drinking. Getting sober without AA is possible with the right tools and support, including sober living programs, detoxification, and mental health awareness. Regular exercise is an excellent alternative therapy method that provides both physical benefits and stress-relief effects. Engaging in physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins – chemicals in your brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators.
Writing in Journals to Stay Sober Without AA
Looking back, I do see all the signs and can finally admit that I am and will always be an alcoholic. But, I feel really proud that I was able to recover in a way that makes me happy and that truly resonates with me! Everybody Substance abuse else in the room had faced severe consequences as a result of their alcohol abuse.
- A gratitude journal is an excellent way to shift your mindset from one of negativity to one of positivity.
- I learned effective practices that will make my recovery journey a lifetime goal.
- Understanding why we used alcohol and confronting the extent of the problem are necessary steps for lasting change to occur.
- Our holistic approach supports your physical, mental, and spiritual health through a range of evidence-based treatment modalities.
For full disclosure, it’s not like I tried super-hard to get sober WITH AA. I went to a grand total how to stay sober without aa of one meeting after a string of miserable hangovers in October of 2012, formed my opinion and that was that. Founder of Sobriety Bestie and Creator of the courageous community Bestie Club, here to guide you on a journey to freedom and self empowerment.
It’s another strong option for those looking for secular alternatives to AA meetings. There are advantages to the 12 step method, and many people experience success with it. However, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) doesn’t mesh with everyone’s perspective. Some elements of the program, including the belief in a higher power, aren’t the right fit for everyone.
- It can provide a safe space to explore underlying issues that may contribute to addiction and develop coping strategies.
- In conclusion, there are numerous alternative paths to sobriety beyond AA.
- Routines also impart discipline and self-restraint which is a particularly valuable skill recovering addicts will need to relearn.
- It’s an AA alternative that involves 17 steps instead of 12, and supports moderate drinking and harm reduction in addition to full sobriety.
- It’s important to note that detox should always be conducted under professional medical supervision due to the potential severity of withdrawal symptoms.
- Recognizing the harmful effects on your health is often the first step toward quitting drinking.
Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Understanding each one can help you feel more empowered in starting your recovery journey. Additionally, practicing meditation or mindfulness can help individuals manage stress and reduce the likelihood of relapse. This may include therapy, medication-assisted treatment, or holistic approaches such as yoga and meditation.
Sharing personal experiences with addiction recovery can be a powerful tool for inspiring and supporting others on their own recovery journey. A strong support system can be the key to successful sobriety, and those in recovery can draw on family, friends or peers for emotional backing. Whether it’s family, friends, or peers, having people who understand what you’re going through can provide the emotional backing needed to overcome obstacles.
SMART Recovery Groups for Alcohol Addiction
While AA has undoubtedly helped countless individuals, it may not resonate with everyone’s unique journey. This is your comeback story, and it’s vital to find the methods that work best for you. Alcohol use disorder https://ecosoberhouse.com/ affects millions of individuals worldwide.