This is especially important if you need to taper off a substance to avoid potentially harmful withdrawal symptoms. While that certainly works for some people, it’s important to remember that you’re not “weaker” or “less” of a person for needing some additional help. Finally, though AA and NA are meant to help people through discussions and readings, Patterson says meetings can become triggers for some people. AA and NA literature, like the Big Books, are full of the reasoning behind the 12 steps and tools to help navigate sobriety. Patterson and Marlon agree that it’s more important to find something that works for the individual than it is to debate the effectiveness of a recovery tool.
Both groups—the hard-core abusers and the more moderate overdrinkers—need more-individualized treatment options. As alcoholism is not dependent on AA for its diagnosis, neither is sobriety. I describe myself as sober because I don’t drink alcohol and I am habitually abstinent from drugs. But he is a devout Catholic so several times a year, he drinks a mouthful of wine as part of religious services.
Social Media Communities
Addiction recovery is about learning how to live life on life’s terms. You can find many pathways to a healthy and happy life. Sobriety is just one part of living a happy life in recovery. While 40-60% sounds like a high number, the relapse rate for addiction is “are similar to rates for other chronic medical illnesses.” Relapse prevention can help you stay sober throughout your addiction recovery. There are also online programs to help you quit drinking without AA. My company, Workit Health, has offers online, science-backed courses to help you beat alcoholism, all from your computer or phone. Whether or not you do 12-step along with it is up to you. Know more on, in 60 days
For some, venturing into the male-dominated rooms of AA can feel uncomfortable . For these folks, online communities and supportive sobriety groups beyond AA can be a welcome addition to your recovery journey. It’s not that traditional 12-Step groups aren’t welcoming, but that sometimes you need a group you can relate to in order to support your sobriety—a safe space where you can actually feel like yourself. Some of the immediate changes you will need to make will be obvious—like not hanging around the people that you used with or obtained drugs from. After all, you can’t hang around your drug dealer or old drinking buddies and expect to remain sober for very long. But for most people, staying sober isn’t that straightforward. The more strategies you learn to identify triggers, cope with stress, and manage your new sober life, the easier it is to prevent relapse. If you’re in recovery from a substance use disorder, you already know how much work it took to achieve sobriety, and you’ll want to do everything possible to avoid having a relapse.
Sober Recovery
Many support groups have recreational activities for members to have fun together. Going to a 12-Step program or other support group offers encouragement and support for your long-term recovery. Many treatment centers encourage you to find a support group that will work for you. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a list of online recovery resources. You can explore different types ofsupport groupsthat might help you in your long-term sobriety. recovery without aa Treatment centers can help to keep you safe from the triggers and stressors in your everyday life. Sober living homes can be the next step after completing a treatment program. Recovery can be a linear process, yet you might need to go back if you aren’t ready to move forward. For example, you might complete a sober living program yet do not feel prepared to get back in the real world. Each stage of recovery brings you closer to your goal of long-term sobriety.
The yucky way alcohol makes me feel is reason enough not to drink. I avoid refined sugar and processed foods because of how crummy my body feels after eating them — why should alcohol be any different? recovery without aa In addition, I practice secular Buddhism, which encourages its practitioners to abstain from alcohol. Of all the things I learned from AA, one thing I know for sure is that drinking and me don’t mix.
Explore a future without alcohol.
People in recovery can experience a lot of shame simply for having become addicted in the first place. To stay sober during events like these, you must first be honest with yourself. With a clear mind, you can focus on what will lead to long-term happiness. You can help others in their sobriety, which is proven toincrease happiness. You can be sober and happy by focusing on your health and wellness in your everyday life. According to a2014 surveyby Alcoholics Anonymous, 27% of members stay sober after one year, 24% for one to five years, and 13% between five and ten years. Some support groups, likeSMART Recovery, do not use the 12-Step model. “SMART” stands for “Self-Management and Recovery Training.” SMART Recovery focuses more on building coping skills for everyday life and does not focus on a higher power. Committing to long-term sobriety also involves continually looking for ways to improve your life. You might get bored when you no longer work towards the next step.
You can try several options at once if time and money allow, and stick with all of them or pick the best one for you over time. You might feel more comfortable addressing these issues in an individual or smaller group setting, Patterson notes. But therapy costs money and requires insurance, which not everyone Sober House has. As the COVID-19 pandemic pushes things to go virtual, you can now find a calendar of virtual meetings if you want to give SMART Recovery a try. A recent but limited study indicates it may be as effective as the 12-step model. If the cons discussed above are giving you second thoughts, don’t fret.
