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

Codependency and controlling and passive-aggressive behavior are at the root of many addictions. An important part of recovery is addressing these issues and setting boundaries. One common mistake for those who are new to alcohol and drug recovery is substituting a new compulsive behavior for their old one. People new to recovery can find themselves approaching their new diet, exercise program, job, and even participation in support groups with a compulsion that echoes addiction.

Why You Might Benefit From an AA Alternative

Researchers stated that mindfulness techniques for addiction usually target addictive behaviors like cravings, and teach you how to apply these techniques in everyday life. Sobriety coaches work with clients to reduce or stop their drinking, often using CBT techniques https://ecosoberhouse.com/ 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). It’s understandable if you don’t want to share this part of your life with friends or family.

Author: Find Recovery Editorial Team

• These programs offer support and encouragement for people who may wish for a different motivation or foundation than one based on spirituality and relinquishing control.
• Learn more about our approach, or schedule a free consultation with us today.
• Each person is encouraged to find their own method of encouraging their sober self within a LifeRing program.

AA has more than 2 million members worldwide in over 100,000 locally supported groups. Read on to learn about alternative support groups to help you maintain your sobriety. The article discusses the importance of self-help approaches in achieving sobriety without AA. Regular exercise, including getting sober without aa aerobic exercises, mind-body exercises, and strength training can help reduce stress and cravings for alcohol. Journaling is also an effective tool to maintain focus during emotionally challenging periods by recording daily reflections, coping strategies, and purposeful gratitude lists.

Identify Your Personal Triggers

However, the word is often used in different ways in different contexts. Many 12-step programs suggest that sobriety means total abstinence, which means never using the substance again. Other definitions, however, focus on the process of recovery and coping habits that support health and wellness over the long term.

How to Quit Drinking Without Going to AA

When you drink alcohol, your brain releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. These endorphins are responsible for the pleasurable, buzzed feeling you get from alcohol. While we are unable to respond to your feedback directly, we’ll use this information to improve our online help. Because one of the underlying premises of recovery is hope, seeing people who have made the journey into long-term recovery inspires others who are beginning their own journey to recovery. Stay tuned for more insights and practical tips on emotional well-being in future articles and episodes. Together, we can unlock the full potential of our emotional goals and create lives worth living.

Achieving Long-Term Sobriety: Sober Without AA Alternatives

In terms of sobriety, it is essential to know that even if all you want is to believe in yourself, you are on the right track. You might not believe in yourself today, tomorrow, or next week. Still, if you’d like to believe in yourself, you have what it takes to do it. Similarly, if you’d like to be sober but aren’t sure if you can do it 100%, you are already on the right path. Yes, we can share in their joy and be proud of their path, but remember that there is no only way to do this.

• Distance yourself from people who threaten the success of your sobriety.
• WFS puts particular emphasis on positive reinforcement, cognitive strategies, self-care, and group support.
• The addicted brain has been significantly overworked and overstimulated.

Getting Sober Without AA—What Are Your Options?

Share your decision to get sober with friends and family who genuinely care about your well-being. I fought off the temptation to indulge in dope for a couple of years. Until that fateful day, the illicit methadone ran out, so I resorted to quiet corners of upstate New York and copped a bundle of heroin. I hung around NA for a week or two, never really embracing their demanding path to recovery.

Choosing to get sober and stay sober without AA is possible with the right mindset and support system. Following this guide on how to stay sober without AA will give you so much strength and passion. With time, you’ll realize how much more rewarding a sober lifestyle is than depending on alcohol. As mentioned above, there are many ways to become and stay sober from alcohol; it is not a numbers game. 1000 people attending an AA meeting at a megachurch is just as powerful as a single person becoming sober on their own for one day.

Educate yourself about the long-term physical and psychological effects of alcohol abuse. 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. They’ll address your specific needs on the path to sobriety. When learning how to stop drinking, seeking professional help and support is of paramount importance. The guidance of a licensed therapist, counselor, or addiction specialist can be invaluable.