How Do I Stay Sober? Mental & Emotional Alcoholics Anonymous Cleveland

This can be a lot more difficult—and even dangerous if you have a severe enough addiction. That said, there have always been people who are able to quit drinking without a group or a program. But there have always been plenty of folks for whom AA doesn’t https://ecosoberhouse.com/ 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 good news is there are many other paths to help you moderate or manage your alcohol use, or to achieve full sobriety.
• While Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been a valuable resource for many, it may not be the right fit for everyone.
• People who believe in you and your journey can boost your confidence and provide emotional backing during difficult times.
• Whether or not you are interested in a spiritual program, finding something to live for (other than booze) can motivate your recovery.

Exploring Sober Living Programs

• Before I got sober, my physical and mental health were questionable.
• It was the exact kind of feeling that, prior to sobriety, I’d have drunk more to get rid of…
• 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.
• When you feel the urge to drink, try to distract yourself with something you enjoy doing.
• We understand the challenges of this stage of life, and our program is specifically built to serve the mid-life adult in a meaningful and individualized way.

Had I not been halfway around the world, in a different time zone and with spotty internet access, I definitely would have checked in with program friends. I don’t want to drink, and so I take red flags and close calls seriously. Still, it’s decidedly weird to have taken a shot when you’re over eight years sober, especially after having been indoctrinated by AA. Instead, that night, I suffered through it until I felt completely sober again.

Find a Treatment Program That’s Right for You

To make matters worse, NA meetings often turned into a bizarre spectacle. I found myself witnessing shady drug deals and conversations about doctors handing out Xanax and opioids like candy (because if it’s prescribed, it must be okay, right?). And as if that weren’t enough, the stigma around methadone was reinforced regularly. Many believe that to gain any benefit from Alcoholics Anonymous, the alcoholic needs to make the commitment on their own. Prodding and persistence rarely trigger the alcoholic mind to do something against their own will.

Online Communities

Regardless of the approach you choose, certain tips and strategies can make you much more likely to succeed at quitting alcohol long-term. If none of these options sound good to you, you can build the recovery community you feel is lacking in the world. Start a group in your area or on a social networking site like Facebook, and watch it grow. My own company, Workit Health, hosts online recovery groups for our members. Groups meet virtually throughout the week and focus on a wide range of topics. If you’re a Workit Health member, you can self-enroll in groups through the Community tab in our app.

Find support in a different group

Engaging in physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins – chemicals in your brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Furthermore, regular exercise can help to reduce cravings for alcohol which are often driven by stress or negative emotions, thus improving mental health. Ria Health has already supported thousands of people to lasting recovery—without having to attend AA meetings.

Find Balance in Your Life

Its foundation is based in science, rather than spirituality. Many people have found success with SMART’s alternatives to AA meetings. AA If you like the accountability and community of regular meetings, SMART Recovery may be a good option for you. Getting sober without AA is possible with the right tools and support, including sober living programs, detoxification, can you stay sober without aa and mental health awareness. Absolutely, there are many alternative methods such as sober living programs, therapy, and lifestyle changes that can lead to long-term sobriety. It’s about embracing holistic approaches that consider all factors influencing one’s relationship with alcohol rather than focusing solely on abstaining from its consumption.

It provides a sense of achievement and fulfillment, fostering a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. I’m 9 years sober, and I’d like to explore 8 powerful strategies I used to create fulfillment in a life of recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous is an organization different from most.

Benefits of Support Groups for Alcohol Addiction Recovery

Treatment Methods