Alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous AA: Including both Quitting and Moderating Drinking

Search our rehab directory to find the nearest treatment center to you. Developing a structured routine can help a person stick to their sobriety goals, make healthy decisions, and reduce the likelihood of triggers and relapse. Establishing a routine with regular sleep and support group attendance can reduce stress and help you stay sober. Some people may find that wearable devices and smartphone apps can support their recovery from alcohol use disorder. Biosensors monitor physical changes, detect alcohol use, and identify relapse risk. Studies suggest digital health options can improve access to care for some of the 15 million people experiencing alcohol use disorder each year.

Less alcohol, or none at all, is one path to better health

  • She looks after her children, enjoys drinks with friends, and is a successful writer.
  • This practical booklet demonstrates, through simple examples, how A.A.
  • In communicating with people considering sobriety, preconceived notions about AA are the most common point of disinterest in making the change for themselves, and I understand why.
  • This addiction recovery support group is for women with any type of substance use disorder, including AUD.

With the right tools and mindset, you can achieve long-term Sobriety without AA. Refuge Recovery is a Buddhist-inspired program that emphasizes mindfulness, compassion, and community. SMART Recovery is a science-based program that emphasizes self-empowerment and self-reliance. From gourmet cuisine to our spacious, 10,000 square foot estate, Silver Ridge provides a tranquil and peaceful setting for recovery. We understand the challenges of this stage of life, and our program is specifically built to serve the mid-life adult in a meaningful and individualized way.

sober without aa

Eminem Celebrates 16 Years of Sobriety, Shows Off His New Chip to Celebrate

Read on to learn about alternative support groups to help you maintain your sobriety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT can be an effective treatment method for individuals with substance use disorder, as it helps getting sober without aa individuals identify and manage triggers that may lead to substance use. CBT can also help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms and improve their overall mental health. There are a variety of treatment methods available for individuals looking to maintain Sobriety without attending AA.

SOS Alcoholism Program

  • It’s also important to develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress and triggers, such as exercise, mindfulness, or creative outlets.
  • If you plan to quit cold turkey (all at once), make sure you are well-stocked with everything you’ll need for the week—withdrawal can make you feel very ill.
  • People in recovery generally agree that abstinence is necessary but remains just a starting point for a new, sober life.
  • If you are tapering off alcohol or pursuing moderation, it helps to give yourself objective data.
  • Their New Life Program is based on 13 acceptance statements, and six levels of recovery.

Educate yourself about the long-term physical and psychological effects of substance use disorder. By becoming well-informed about the risks involved, you reinforce your commitment to quit using, gain the power to resist temptations and stay on course. Learning effective strategies to manage cravings and peer pressure plays a significant role in resisting temptations and remaining committed to sobriety. Along this path, I stumbled into a CASAC 350-hour training program, a twist I didn’t anticipate but welcomed like an old friend, opening the doors to becoming a substance abuse counselor in New York. When I started getting sober, I didnt spend time listening to the Big Bookers beat the 12 steps into my head.

How to Stay Sober

5 sobriety support groups that are different from Alcoholics Anonymous – CNET

5 sobriety support groups that are different from Alcoholics Anonymous.

Posted: Mon, 02 Dec 2019 08:00:00 GMT [source]

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. Practically every person in recovery has people, places, and experiences that bring up the urge to drink. Part of the art of staying sober (or moderate) long-term is knowing what these triggers are, and how to manage them. Make a list of the things you find challenging, practice how you will respond in advance, and give yourself credit when you succeed.

Curb Alcohol Cravings: 3 Medications and 5 Natural Remedies

Sometimes, in recovery, people may feel run-down, tired, and unhappy. Online resources, such as podcasts and blogs, can also provide support and inspiration. 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.

  • His main addictions were sleeping pills as well as Vicodin and, according to the rapper, he was at one point taking upwards of 20 pills a day.
  • Others may have increased marital or relationship problems that are heading toward divorce or breakups.
  • You must be ready to change in order to find the best treatment program for you.
  • Or you can use Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a free self-help group with a 12-step programme.
  • Many people who recognize that they have a drinking problem aren’t aware that there are alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous.

The soul-crushing rat race of corporate life was already sucking the life out of me. But even though my job was only 15 miles away from home, I’d spend 3 hours driving in traffic each day commuting to and from work. For full disclosure, it’s not like I tried super-hard to get sober WITH AA. I went to a grand total of one meeting after a string of miserable hangovers in October of 2012, formed my opinion and that was that. Anger is a normal and natural emotion, but how you deal with it will make a difference in maintaining your recovery.

Diet and Exercise