Raw and real, Pond’s bok shows how he uncovers a new path to recovery outside the traditional abstinence-based programs with the help of his partner, Maureen Palmer. The result is a new, science-based approach to treating and managing addiction. There are many ways you can recover from your drinking problem. However, there are individuals who lack faith is this 12 step program which seeks to unite former alcoholics in the journey to recovery. Therapy can be effective in helping individuals stay sober without AA. It can provide a safe space to explore underlying issues that may contribute to addiction and develop coping strategies.
Online AA Meetings Are Saving My Life Right Now – Vogue
Online AA Meetings Are Saving My Life Right Now.
Posted: Wed, 18 Mar 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Step 3: Find the Right Treatment Program
They may not have been alcoholic in the first place, but instead are heavy or problem drinkers (see my past post on differences between social drinkers, problem drinkers, and alcoholics for more information). In contrast, alcoholics may abstain for periods of time without help but in most cases will inevitably return to their previous drinking patterns. Detox occurs when the body goes through the process of eliminating substances from itself. Individuals who experience withdrawal symptoms have become dependant on the substance. This means that the brain and body have become so accustomed to having the substance present that without it, they can’t function properly. The brain and body need time to return to functioning without the substance.
- Engaging in regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can all help improve overall physical and mental health.
- Additionally, some people may find AA’s group dynamics or principles too rigid or dogmatic.
- It is the identification of talking to someone who has battled the same addiction you have.
- ‘I was willing to go to this crazy dark place every time,’ the 34-year-old actor explained, saying that now she views alcohol ‘as an allergy’.
- Another way to stay sober without AA is to exercise regularly.
Identify Your Personal Triggers
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. But there have always been plenty of folks for whom AA doesn’t work. Some aren’t comfortable with surrendering control to a higher power, or declaring themselves “powerless” over alcohol. Others feel recovery is a private experience, and don’t want to share their struggles with people they don’t know.
The Ultimate Guide: What Is the Best Definition of Sobriety?
Once you feel stressed, take your album and go through your childhood photos. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are two types of therapy that have been shown to be effective in treating addiction. Don’t forget to prioritize self-care and seek out professional help if needed. There’s no shame in asking for help, and it can be a crucial step in maintaining Sobriety. Regular exercise can help improve your mood and reduce anxiety. You can also try talking to a therapist or a trusted friend about your emotions.
This means that scientific research and evidence are used to support the techniques and methods that are promoted through this model. Take our short alcohol quiz to learn where you fall on the drinking spectrum and if you might benefit from quitting or cutting back on alcohol. If you are tapering off alcohol or pursuing moderation, it helps to give yourself objective data. Use a drink-tracking app, a notebook, or a breathalyzer to record how much you are actually drinking every day. This will keep you honest with yourself and your support system, and help you stick to your goals. Regardless of the approach you choose, certain tips and strategies can make you much more likely to succeed at quitting alcohol long-term.
If you experience these situations, there are other ways to stay sober without AA. If you want to know how to stay sober without AA after a non-12 step rehab, keep reading. Deciding to quit isn’t easy, but it’s a brave and commendable first step toward becoming sober.
Author: Find Recovery Editorial Team
Shame is having negative beliefs about yourself and your self-worth. People in recovery can experience a lot of shame simply for having become addicted in the first place. Financial troubles and problems finding and keeping employment are major triggers for relapse, but it is possible to take baby steps and get your finances in order.
Finding Treatment for Alcoholism
If you find it difficult to make new, sober friends, try joining a support group. Spending more time with supportive loved ones and planning activities for the entire family can also help you develop a healthier lifestyle and avoid situations in which you would normally drink or use drugs. One study found that mutual support groups can be as effective as 12-step programs and may help improve the odds of success for people who are committed to maintaining a lifetime of total abstinence. Moderation Management (MM) is very different than many other recovery and support groups in that it doesn’t require complete abstinence to be a member. Instead, MM focuses on helping people to manage problematic drinking and behaviors that are destructive, aiding in encouraging positive lifestyle changes. MM is a peer-support program that acknowledges that behaviors are changeable, and that alcohol abuse (which differs from dependence) is a habit that can be altered.
“When I consume cannabis, I’m more present and mindful and empathetic,” she says, compared with the anxiety and angst she experienced with alcohol. The definition of “California sober” is relatively simple – using weed but no other drugs or alcohol. Cannabis, now legal in 24 states, is a $40bn industry in America. That may not be much compared to the $260bn alcohol market, but a shift is afoot.
For example, a Veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who misuses cocaine, doesn’t have the same needs as a stay-at-home mom struggling with alcohol use. Making healthy lifestyle changes can be an effective way to maintain Sobriety. Engaging in regular exercise, getting sober without aa eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can all help improve overall physical and mental health. What most people don’t know is that there are a lot of alternatives to AA. If you have a drug or alcohol problem but don’t want to go to AA, keep reading.
