Kali Lux is a consumer marketing leader with a focus on healthcare and wellness. She has over a decade of experience in building and operating metrics-driven brand, demand generation, and customer experience teams. While some individuals find comfort and support in religious beliefs or practices, it's important to find a recovery approach that aligns with your personal values and beliefs.
Why Stay Sober Without AA?
Tempest Sobriety School is an eight-week virtual course created by founder Holly Whitaker, who struggled through a years-long phase of alcohol and drug addiction, bulimia, severe anxiety and depression. Whitaker attempted to keep her difficulties under wraps as she worked a high-profile job in health tech, but eventually it all became too much and she decided to get help. Researchers found that CBT has different effectiveness rates for different substances. For example, it is more effective at treating cocaine and opioid addictions Drug rehabilitation than it is for tobacco and polydrug use (use of multiple substances). It’s important to note that moderation does not work for everyone, but it is a valid approach for some.
Track Your Drinking
While the program’s anonymous nature makes success rates hard to track, an independent 2020 study confirmed that AA is genuinely effective in plenty of cases. There are advantages to the 12 step method, and many people experience success with it. However, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) doesn’t mesh with everyone’s perspective. Some elements of the program, including the belief in a higher power, aren’t the right fit for everyone. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are two types of therapy that have been shown to be effective in treating addiction. You can also try talking to a therapist or a trusted friend about your emotions.
Identifying and Dealing with Co-existing Mental Health Issues
It requires dedication, commitment, and a willingness to seek out alternative methods of support. Remember that Recovery is a journey, not a destination, and it’s okay to stumble along the way. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a treatment method that uses medication to help individuals manage their substance use disorder. MAT is often used in conjunction with other treatment methods, such as counseling and therapy. Another advantage of staying sober without AA is the opportunity to build a support system outside of the program.
- 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.
- Let’s explore some of the available alternatives to AA and 12-step programs.
- If you or someone close to you is battling with addiction but isn't interested in AA, there are other potential solutions that can help them reach a successful recovery.
- Women for Sobriety (WFS) is a program that is specifically engineered to focus on women’s treatment needs and what will best support their recovery.
- Don’t forget to prioritize self-care and seek out professional help if needed.
- This can help you focus on something positive instead of turning to alcohol.
Women For Sobriety
Getting sober is one of the most phenomenal things that you can do for your wellness. Seeking knowledge on alcoholism can also help dispel any misconceptions about the disease. It’ll foster empathy and understanding toward those struggling with addiction. Having people who believe in you and your journey can boost your confidence. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of Sober Recovery's "Terms of Use", "Privacy Policy", "Cookie Policy", and "Health Disclaimer".
MM holds that problem drinking is not always the same thing as addiction, and in less severe instances, individuals may be able to moderate their drinking instead of abstaining completely. Moderation may not be the best strategy for everyone, MM acknowledges, but it may work well for some. The group works on developing techniques to enhance this version of self instead of the addict self who has previously been in control of all decisions and led to destruction in life.
- There are advantages to the 12 step method, and many people experience success with it.
- Moderation Management is a program that focuses on helping individuals reduce their alcohol consumption to a moderate level or quit altogether.
- You can look for alternative groups with perspectives closer to your own.
- No, there are numerous alternatives to AA including self-help approaches, professional counseling, and medication-assisted treatment.
- Also, with the exception of online rehab, these programs can be very disruptive to work and family life.
One of the strengths of AA is that it provides a community of people facing a similar challenge, and gives you access to others further along in the process. If you prefer not to attend AA, look for other ways to access this kind of community—whether that’s through other groups, a supportive social circle, or through a recovery coach or counselor. Start by talking to a doctor to make sure it is safe for you to go through withdrawal without medical care, and create a getting sober without aa list of people to call just in case.
The Role of Sober Living in Long-Term Sobriety
The spiritual 12-step program encourages members to admit they've lost power to alcohol and to turn their lives over to a higher https://ecosoberhouse.com/ power. While AA is historically successful and community-driven, not everyone finds a home there. Sobriety isn't achieved overnight; it requires commitment and dedication over time. No feat is too small; each step forward brings you closer to your goal. Bear in mind that dealing effectively with relapses isn't just about bouncing back after each setback - it's equally vital to continually refine strategies based on lessons learned from previous experiences. This way, you'll become increasingly adept at navigating obstacles encountered along the road toward long-term sobriety.
