10 Alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous AA

These days, science-based therapeutic approaches provide practical coping strategies, support, and understanding of AUD. And since what works for one person might not work for another, there are many different types to choose from. If your home life, work life or social scene is causing stress and/or tempting you to drink more than you should/want to, it might be time to change things up.

HAMS (Harm Reduction, Abstinence, and Moderation Support)

getting sober without aa

Likewise, scheduling time for regular self-care, repairing relationships with loved ones, and taking on more responsibilities at home or a sober living facility can all help structure daily life. Even after graduating from a dedicated inpatient treatment program, an individual is still tasked with maintaining sober change. Likewise, tending to mental health needs, spiritual needs, and social needs is necessary for a sustainable approach to sober life. Commitment to a sober lifestyle takes constant effort from a person’s initial steps into detox to managing a sober everyday life in the real world. For some, continuing to manage their mental health and spiritual healing following addiction treatment can be exceptionally difficult.

Stop Waiting to Feel Ready — Start Living Now

A structured routine will help you achieve other goals in your life, whether they are short-term (like being on time for work) or long-term (like going back to school and changing careers). If PAWS is severe or if you’re experiencing prolonged symptoms, a medical professional can help you work through them and remain in recovery without relapse. Depending on the type of dependency, PAWS can last from six months to two years after you stop using drugs or alcohol. Find out if this treatment could be the key to regaining control over your drinking and transforming your life. I began to find joy in simple things again, like going for walks, watching movies, and indulging in sweets. I learned that I didn’t need to drink to escape or find comfort—I could create new ways to experience joy and relaxation.

getting sober without aa

These groups can provide the crucial connection and sense of belonging needed when coping with alcohol addiction. One of the most powerful tools on the journey to sobriety is not a tool but a community. Being part of a community of individuals who are also navigating the path of recovery can be an incredibly empowering experience. Embrace the support around you, lean on those who understand, and take one step at a time towards a healthier, alcohol-free life. Acknowledging your drinking problem can be challenging, but it’s a critical step in the journey toward sobriety.

Creating New Habits and Coping Tools

  • Many people who misuse alcohol or drugs have trouble dealing with anger.
  • However, for those who are managing their sobriety in these high-risk environments, there are some strategies to keep in mind.
  • It’s not just your drinking buddies and drug dealers who can get you into trouble—sometimes those who are closest to you can contribute to a relapse.
  • The key lies in finding the right combination of support mechanisms that align with your recovery goals and personal preferences.

Our treatments are tailored to serve each person’s unique needs and you can read about both Oar members who want to quit drinking entirely as well as Oar members who want to moderate their drinking. While Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is arguably the most well-known treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), it is not for everyone. Many people who have AUD don’t want to abstain from drinking entirely and instead seek treatments that reduce drinking. And others have the goal to quit drinking, but don’t find other aspects of AA to align with their values.

Discover how alcohol affects AFib and what lifestyle changes may help improve heart rhythm. Unveil the effects of daily alcohol consumption on your health, relationships, and overall well-being. Detoxing from benzodiazepines varies from weeks to months based on medication type, dosage, duration of use, and individual health, requiring gradual, supervised tapering. An Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility provides 24/7 care and therapy to help patients recover, regain independence, and improve their quality of life.

how to get sober without aa

Achieving Long-Term Sobriety: Sober Without AA Alternatives

Receive weekly insights to help you and your loved ones on your road to recovery. Tabletop games, woodworking, car shows, and horticulture are great outlets for those in sobriety who may have opportunities for social engagement. While these functions may be devoid of addictive substances, many cultures and opportunities fill these times with new activities, cultures, games, and more. Hosting holiday celebrations, getting involved in local events, pursuing personal goals and hobbies, and attending parties are all possible.

getting sober without aa

It is estimated that about percent of those engaged in addiction recovery will experience a relapse at some point in their journey. It involves strategies to address the effects of addiction, effective relapse prevention strategies, and exploring sober communities. Making an active effort to stay motivated throughout addiction recovery is necessary. It’s important to note that these co-occurring disorders can significantly increase the risk of relapse if not properly addressed.

We’ll delve into understanding sober living programs and their crucial role in maintaining your newfound sobriety. We also discuss detoxification’s importance and how mental health awareness plays an integral part in successfully quitting drinking. In addition to emotional support, 7 Cups offers topic-specific support groups and online therapy for a range of mental health concerns, including addiction recovery.

How to Get Sober From Alcohol Without Rehab: Alternative Approaches

However, as I awakened and gained a sense of sanity, some uncomfortable feelings bubbled to the surface. My feelings were compounded by an internal sense that the Steps just weren’t for me; I felt there was too much emphasis on amending bad/addictive behavior. I believed I needed to improve my self-esteem, rather than conform to a set of steps written by men in 1939. If you want to look somewhere other than AA, there are also online groups designed to support people through this journey. There may also be local meet-ups where you can connect in person with others. Staying sober often hinges on surrounding yourself with people who encourage you, uplift you, and support your decision to abstain from alcohol.

getting sober without aa

The app’s GPS locator user interface, called The Grid, allows you to find other people in recovery nearby, view their profiles, and connect with them. This type of counseling involves multiple family members to address issues within the family and focuses on family-level assessment to transform familial relations. Their program teaches skills that can help you stay motivated in your sobriety and cope with cravings.

If you were active in Sober living home your addiction for a period of time, you may have developed financial problems. You may also need to change your route to work or home in order to avoid any triggers, or people, places, or things that make you want to use drugs or drink again. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of Sober Recovery’s “Terms of Use”, “Privacy Policy”, “Cookie Policy”, and “Health Disclaimer”. The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. Access resources to learn about naltrexone and the Sinclair Method, a proven approach to reduce drinking. If you’re struggling with alcohol and traditional methods haven’t resonated, I want you to know there are alternatives.

getting sober without aa

Women for Sobriety (WFS)

And stay in touch with your sponsor and call them if you’re feeling anxious or uncomfortable. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of Sober Recovery’s “Terms of Use”, “Privacy Policy”, “Cookie Policy”, and “Health Disclaimer”. Secular Organizations for Sobriety/Save Ourselves, This group is also non-affiliated with a Higher Power concept and empowers the individual to recover from addiction.

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