Sobriety Strategies: 13 Tips for Staying Sober

All of these and more are legitimate reasons to look for an AA alternative. And fortunately, there are many other effective choices out there. Your journey towards self-improvement begins with a single step, and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Refuge Recovery is a Buddhist-inspired program that emphasizes mindfulness, compassion, and community. SMART Recovery is a science-based program that emphasizes self-empowerment and self-reliance. The group also focuses on individual strengths, not weaknesses, as a way to inspire change in the fellow members of the community.

The social aspect of groups like Alcoholics Anonymous can add a pleasant camaraderie that highlights that you are far from the only person struggling with alcoholism. Having people you see regularly and are all working towards the same goal also provides a level of accountability. Having to face your group of peers and admit that you broke your sobriety can be a powerful deterrent in the face of weakening resolve. If you are trying to find a way to stay sober without AA, consider placing words of wisdom and positivity in your home, workplace, and on your social media pages. Words may help you and provide light and positivity to your loved ones as well. The alcohol prompts them to hide behind their stress and fear instead of coping with it.

How to Quit Drinking Without Going to AA

Whether it is taking the stairs or walking to the store, you can make small changes in your life that will make you feel better. There are so many benefits to exercising, especially exercising to maintain your sobriety. AA is helpful for some people on the road to recovery, but it’s not the only option.

Drugs and alcohol might have limited your options for fun and recreation. Now, you can get into different experiences that will add fun, value, and friendships to your life. While addicted to alcohol or drugs, you might have only thought about the next time you would get drunk or high. Many recovering addicts now find that they have more time to fill without drugs and alcohol consuming their thoughts and actions.

Can You Stay Sober Without AA?

Recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation and even though there are a lot of people around the world who swear by Alcoholics Anonymous, that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. Secular Organizations for Sobriety is not one specific program, but rather a collection of programs that are https://ecosoberhouse.com/ autonomous from each other. SOS provides individuals with alternatives to spirituality based recovery programs. SOS hosts both online and physical face-to-face meetings to help people overcoming any form of addiction, from behavioral addictions to drug and alcohol addictions.

Some individuals may feel uncomfortable with the religious or spiritual aspects of AA, while others may prefer a more secular approach. Staying sober is a challenging and complex journey that requires a lot of effort, commitment, and support. While Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been the traditional go-to solution for people struggling with addiction, it is not the only path to Sobriety. They welcome and embrace anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ in the AA fellowship for meetings, providing that extra little bit of helpful support. They also feature a newsletter and plenty of resources (such as city updates and personal stories for inspiration) for those who want some additional information online.

Anonymous

If you’re a sober mom in need of help and extra support, this may just be the place for you. Forever35 is a podcast between two best friends that has sprouted many Facebook groups—but none quite as moving as the Forever35 Sober group. The community of mostly women is for supporting each other through the sobriety journey, wherever you are in the process. The forums of Sober Recovery are a great place for people with substance use disorder to find assistance and helpful information.

Yes, trying to love yourself and building routines that empower you with self-belief is essential. However, I know (from experience) that it doesn’t take self-love for other people to love you. stay sober without aa I also know that you do not have to believe in yourself 100% for others to believe in what you are doing. I don’t even think it’s possible to love and believe in yourself 100% of the time.

I don’t revoke my AA membership.

If this perspective is a reason you want to stop drinking without AA, these won’t be suitable. HAMS is a peer-led group that provides support and information to those who want to change their drinking habits. It’s an AA alternative that involves 17 steps instead of 12, and supports moderate drinking and harm reduction in addition to full sobriety. But there have always been plenty of folks for whom AA doesn’t work.

• Strong cravings can make it feel like a battle of wills between you and alcohol.
• Once you do return to work, it’s important to create a budget and take steps to safeguard yourself as work stress can be a relapse trigger.
• One of the best parts of the 12-step program was that I felt welcomed into a community of people like me.
• It’s important to find the support and resources that work best for you.
• If you think you can stick with it, creating a tapering schedule and gradually reducing how much you drink is usually the best approach.