How to Stay Sober Without AA

That’s likely millions of people — and might very well include you. While some controversial treatments or therapies exist, it’s important to consult with a medical professional before pursuing any unconventional methods. Connecting with others who are also on the path towards sobriety offers unique benefits. Research shows that peer-led mutual aid groups like SMART Recovery or LifeRing Secular Recovery have been successful in helping individuals maintain long-term sobriety. Interventions are a common method used by families to encourage their loved ones to seek help for addiction. These structured meetings allow family members to express their concerns while offering love and encouragement.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

New study: alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous may be as effective – Vox.com

New study: alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous may be as effective.

Posted: Mon, 05 Mar 2018 08:00:00 GMT [source]

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. You can also try talking to a therapist or a trusted friend about your emotions. Remember, it’s okay to feel your emotions, but it’s important to find healthy ways to cope with them. Additionally, practicing meditation or mindfulness can help individuals manage stress and reduce the likelihood of relapse.

The Role of Regular Workouts Throughout Rehab Stages

getting sober without aa

I cannot stress enough about the importance of solid support whether you are still using drugs or getting sober for the first time. 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. It is estimated that up to 80% of those who find long-term sobriety had at least one relapse along the way. Some people experience many setbacks before they find lasting recovery.

The Ultimate Guide: What Is the Best Definition of Sobriety?

getting sober without aa

Developed by Dr. John D. Sinclair, the Sinclair Method is an evidence-based treatment for AUD that involves taking naltrexone. 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. “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.” All of these and more are legitimate reasons to look for an AA alternative.

  • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) also indicated that you could download an app to help you find AA 12-step meetings nationwide.
  • No support group aimed at quitting alcohol forever will work for you if you don’t really want to quit.
  • Explore various coping strategies to find what works best for you, enabling you to handle life’s challenges better and promoting long-term sobriety.
  • For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Gold Coast Support Groups

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. There are also resources such as 12-step groups and recovery groups. It’s important to getting sober without aa surround yourself with positive influences and seek help when needed. 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.

  • There are many ways you can recover from your drinking problem.
  • Get in touch with our team today to discuss your unique needs and goals.
  • This way, you’ll become increasingly adept at navigating obstacles encountered along the road toward long-term sobriety.
  • AA isn’t explicitly religious, but it did grow out of a Christian organization called The Oxford Group.
  • 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.

Keep in mind that you may need medical help if you suddenly stop drinking — alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. In fact, you may find the whole process is much less disruptive and easier to stick with if you avoid a residential treatment center. If you’ve been drinking heavily for a while, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ odds are you have some close friends and family who drink heavily too. And while we’d all like to hope that everyone would support a loved one’s decision to quit, we also know things are more complicated than that. It’s likely you’ll have to field offers from old drinking buddies, sometimes repetitively.

Is Alcoholics Anonymous an Effective Treatment Option?

Medication-Assisted Treatment

  • Mental health is an integral component of a successful sobriety journey.
  • Rehabilitation centers, also known as rehab centers, are facilities that provide treatment for individuals with substance use disorder.
  • Rewarding yourself for staying sober positively reinforces your behavior and encourages you to continue on the path to sobriety.