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These programs offer support and encouragement for people who may wish for a different motivation or foundation than one based on spirituality and relinquishing control. Instead, individuals are encouraged to take on their own weaknesses, learn to accept them, and move forward in recovery. SOS-supported groups are nonprofessional and offer a healthy network of individuals with the similar goal of sobriety. 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. Each person is encouraged to find their own method of encouraging their sober self within a LifeRing program.
Soberocity’s community platform helps people find others who are interested in the same activities and discover fun ways to socialize without alcohol. “It’s not a sad consequence; it’s a proud choice,” the website reads, referring to sobriety. “There is a commonly held belief that sobriety is the consequence of bad behavior or inability to control our liquor. We don’t see it that way.” American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information.
Top Tips For Quitting Alcohol Without AA
And others have the goal to quit drinking, but don’t find other aspects of AA to align with their values. They empower individuals to take control of their recovery process and can significantly enhance the effectiveness of professional treatments. A strong support system can be the key to successful sobriety, and those in recovery can draw on family, friends or peers for emotional backing. Whether it’s family, friends, or peers, having people who understand what you’re going through can provide the emotional backing needed to overcome obstacles. So, if you’re looking for an alternative to AA, consider exploring sober living programs.
There are many paths to changing your relationship with alcohol, and it may take some experimentation to figure out what treatment—or combination of treatments—is most effective for your unique needs. If you are able to maintain moderate drinking, it may work for you. But if you find yourself falling into previous unhealthy drinking habits, abstinence may be your better option.
Harm Reduction Works: A Personal Case Study of Harm Reduction Injected with Gratitude.
The course includes weekly live sessions, weekly recorded lectures, Q&A sessions, daily guided meditations, intention-setting and more. The spiritual 12-step program encourages members to admit they’ve lost power to alcohol and to turn their lives over to a higher power. While AA is historically getting sober without aa successful and community-driven, not everyone finds a home there. 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.
- Embrace the power within you to break free from alcohol’s hold and create a brighter future for yourself.
- Whether it’s family, friends, or peers, having people who understand what you’re going through can provide the emotional backing needed to overcome obstacles.
- SMART Recovery programs avoid labels, such as “alcoholic,” and shy away from the disease model of addiction.
- AA If you like the accountability and community of regular meetings, SMART Recovery may be a good option for you.
- According to AA, about 26% of individuals maintain sobriety for over a year within the program.
These medications can help reduce alcohol cravings, helping people to either cut back or stay sober after they’ve quit. In the absence of alcohol, developing healthy coping mechanisms is essential for effectively managing stress and emotions. Practice deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or journaling to express your feelings and thoughts. Regular exercise releases endorphins, serving as a natural mood booster and providing a healthier outlet for emotional release.
Embracing Self-Help Approaches
With a Reddit account, you can protect your privacy and stay anonymous. Because r/stopdrinking is public, you can read its discussions without commenting or even creating a Reddit account. When you drink alcohol, your brain releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals.
This concept of spirituality in healing may not work for everyone. AA also expects its members to remain abstinent from alcohol and drugs completely, and this is also a concept that is not ideal for every person. Of course, quitting or cutting back to your ideal amount is only the first step. Many people struggle with alcohol cravings for months or even years after quitting, and there are many pitfalls to overcome, including post-acute withdrawal syndrome.
Detox and Rehab
Still others feel uncomfortable with the label “alcoholic,” or simply want to cut back—not quit completely as AA requires. I’m into multiple pathways to recovery, harm reduction, alternative health & personal growth — and loud, raw, noisy guitars. Some definitions of sobriety call for complete lifelong abstinence https://ecosoberhouse.com/ while others focus on developing coping mechanisms that can reduce harm with the understanding that setbacks are common. It may help to pick a quit date, or a day when you choose to discontinue use of alcohol or drugs. It’s also helpful to change your environment—for instance, avoid going to bars.
