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. For people with severe alcohol use disorder, or who expect intense withdrawal symptoms, some form of medical detox may be necessary. Sudden withdrawal from heavy drinking can be dangerous or even fatal, so it’s best to have a doctor’s supervision. If you have a milder drinking problem, you might be able to go it alone.

One common mistake for those who are new to alcohol and drug recovery is substituting a new compulsive behavior for their old one. People new to recovery can find themselves approaching their new diet, exercise program, job, and even participation in support groups with a compulsion that echoes addiction. Other definitions, however, often focus on the process of recovery and developing coping mechanisms and habits that support health and wellness over the long term. Total abstinence may be the goal, but the reality is that setbacks are common. This scientifically proven treatment teaches you how to regulate your emotions and end self-destructive cycles.

Professional Training

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is a network of independent groups to help people achieve or maintain sobriety. It’s another strong option for those looking for secular alternatives to AA meetings. It is abstinence-focused, and designed to be compatible with a variety of other treatment resources.

SoberGrid might just be a good place to start building a support network for those who feel natural doing everything, including finding new sober friends, on their phone. The company also offers 24/7 peer coaching for those who need assistance with their recovery. If you’re seeking a community that’s focused on positive health and behavior change, then Hello Sunday Morning might How To Clean Your System From Alcohol In 24 Hours? be right for you. This community supports anyone who wants to change their relationship with alcohol, in whatever form—whether abstaining, taking a break, or just better understanding it. One of the nicest parts of this community is it focuses on recovery writ large. So, if you need sobriety support from harder drugs or other issues, then you might just feel at home here.

Alternatives to the AA Approach

I may not go to meetings anymore, but I still keep in touch with these kinds of people. But I would rather this happen than return to the life I was living prior to sobriety. Before I got sober, my physical and mental health were questionable. All I wanted to do was be wasted, and I was putting myself in dangerous situations when I drank. Drug and alcohol abuse is often caused by problems in personal relationships.

This kind of soul searching can be scary at times—but it’s also thrilling. Being honest with yourself means asking, “Am I ready for this? ” Maybe your family drinks to celebrate the holidays, or your high school friends want to meet at a bar over winter break. To stay sober during events like these, you must first be honest with yourself. Staying sober during triggering events, like parties, weddings, holidays, vacations, and when out with friends who drink, can be tough. According to a 2014 survey by Alcoholics Anonymous, 27% of members stay sober after one year, 24% for one to five years, and 13% between five and ten years.

Is Alcoholics Anonymous Effective?

By practicing self-compassion and self-care, you can stay sober without the need for AA. To help in this endeavor, it is crucial to equip oneself with appropriate tools. This could include healthy coping mechanisms, such as talking to a trusted friend or engaging in physical activities like yoga or walking. Staying sober without AA starts with finding people with a similar outlook and avoiding those who trigger unhealthy thoughts or behaviors. Keeping sober, friendly company is essential when it comes to maintaining sobriety.

• Individuals can call the centers directly or call our Toll Free number for further assistance.
• It offers a variety of tools and techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and rational emotive behavior therapy, to help individuals overcome addiction.
• It should not be used to replace the suggestions of your personal physician or other health care professionals.
• With a clear mind, you can focus on what will lead to long-term happiness.
• One of the nicest parts of this community is it focuses on recovery writ large.

I worked with a sponsor and did the Steps, which gave me tons of invaluable insight into myself and my experience. In some cases, there may be medication that can help https://trading-market.org/how-to-flush-alcohol-from-your-urine/ with a drug or alcohol problem. In fact, the FDA has approved three drugs for treating alcoholism. If you don’t think AA is the right choice for you, don’t worry.

Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website. Although these new activities are healthy and productive, they can be a stumbling block to lasting recovery if they become a transfer addiction to fill the void left by the original addiction. 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.

Many recovering addicts now find that they have more time to fill without drugs and alcohol consuming their thoughts and actions. Seeking a support group committed to helping others can be a beneficial and cost-effective way for you to stay sober. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) remains one of the most common support groups for long-term sobriety. AA inspired additional 12-Step programs, like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), for those struggling with other types of substance abuse.