4 years sober + 4 tips for sobriety without AA Matt Hunt

Oh it worked to stay sober but I wanted more than sobriety. I finally got medications for my mental illness and poof the desire to use went away because I felt good and my head was not crazy anymore. I built a support network of people who were not addicts who supported me in becoming successful in my life. I changed careers to work in recovery and give back to the world not just “a program”. I learned cognitive behavioral therapy to learn how to change my thinking and actions so I did not have to depend on meetings and a 85 year old program that you never graduate from. I found a way out of my addiction I don’t talk about it anymore it is of no interest to the kind of people who are in my life today.

I experienced it myself over years of painful accidents, depression, and near-death alcohol withdrawal. We know that recovery is a lifelong process, and our treatment does not end when you leave our center. Alcoholics anonymous is one of the most well-known support groups. Its basis is a 12-step program that aims to admit that you are powerless and asks you to ‘surrender to a higher power.’ This isn’t for everyone. It is vital to learn from these past mistakes, don’t harbor the feelings, and speak to your loved ones and anyone else you believe you have hurt.

SMART Recovery

Actions that focus on mindfulness will make it easier to work through cravings and moments of temptation. Routines also impart discipline and self-restraint which is a particularly valuable skill recovering addicts will need to relearn. Stability is something that both support groups and formal drug treatment strongly encourage their members to establish by creating a routine. The addicted brain has been significantly overworked and overstimulated. There’s reassurance and comfort to be found in repetition and a sense of stability that their life has likely been missing for some time.

All Alcoholrehabhelp content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible. Disulfiram , acamprosate , and naltrexone are the most common medications used to treat AUD. They are best for people who have a high motivation to recover and cannot leave their responsibilities at home, work, or school. Because alcoholism is often linked to depression, consider getting your body moving to help boost your mood.

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Is free, as well as a new membership program that offers more virtual meetings, a community forum, group coaching, and more. If you’re a sober mom in need of help and extra support, this may just be the place for you. The Sober Mom Squad began during COVID-19 times as a way to offer support to women who are sober and now find themselves overloaded with taking care of the kids while also working and quarantining and…. The Instagram account, run by Erin Shaw Street who is a seasoned media professional, criticizes other websites and media who are promoting alcohol in an unhealthy way. But beyond that, Tell Better Stories is forming a community of women who understand that lifestyle media and female-centric marketing promoting alcohol is highly problematic. 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.

When we vacation together, Steve smokes pot all the time; I rarely do. I eat mushrooms a couple of times a year; Steve would never think of such a thing. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Once in a while, I’ll make a stupid bet with a friend or play cards; Steve has a gambling problem so he won’t bet a nickel or even play solitaire.

How to Quit Drinking Without Going to AA

Those who are more comfortable with a secular approach to addiction recovery may find the philosophy of SOS to be more helpful to them than 12-step programs. SOS has been helping people recover from addictive behavior toward drugs, alcohol and food for over 30 years. Take one step at a time and break stay sober without aa everything into shorter goals. Look at sobriety in stages, from detox to addiction treatment to sober living to everyday life. Individuals who practice a balanced life style of exercise, healthy eating, and friendships with NON-alcoholics -and find their passion in a hobby have the most success.

If you were active in your addiction for a period of time, you may have developed financial problems. To avoid relapse and remain sober, it’s important to develop healthy relationships. You may also need to change your route to work or home in order to avoid any triggers, or people, places, or things that make you want to use drugs or drink again. Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates.

Is Naltrexone a Controlled Substance?

Remember, spirituality is “as you understand it/Him”. The cofounder of AA, Bill Wilson, said spiritual concepts were personal and required searching. Basically, the only requirement is a desire to stop drinking.

However, I have never looked back from leaving the Cult of AA. Believing that I was disempowered and sick and defective and somehow different from “civilians” was just so wrong. I guess the thing for me is I can find the things that I miss from AA elsewhere.

Our self-assessment may be helpful in recognizing substance abuse in yourself. Elena Hill, MD; MPH received her MD and Masters of Public Health degrees at Tufts Medical School and completed her family medicine residency at Boston Medical Center. She is currently an attending physician at Bronxcare Health Systems in the Bronx, NY where she works as a primary care physician as well as part time in pain management and integrated health.

And no set pattern of steps is required for you to become a successful member. Instead, you’ll learn from peers and printed materials, and you will design your own path to recovery. The first days of sobriety can be very lonely and scary and I didn’t need to do it alone, with or without AA. I later learned there are many paths for recovery, far beyond AA.

When it came time for the meeting he sat down next to me. I felt my hackles rise and knew that if I didn’t leave the meeting I was going to thump him. Many times there is shouting, anger and self defeating brainwashing that often makes me feel leaving worse than when I arrived. I am no saint btw, but I never try and demean people for the sake of my own soulsickness. I try and live a good , honest life and so far the wheels haven’t fallen off.

• While I’ve never been a 12-stepper, that doesn’t mean I got sober for fun.
• Our addiction specialists are always ready to answer your questions and help you access the care you need.
• He is the medical director at Alcohol Recovery Medicine.
• It is the primary thing that makes AA so special.
• Matt Hunt is a documentary photographer connecting with people, sharing moments, and telling stories in Southeast Asia.
• The storytelling, which is a powerful force of validation and healing for both the teller and the listener.

When attending i did all the suggestions..All of them..And read most of the books.i have changed inside I am not the person I was pre AA. Some parts of my old self I miss..other parts I’m glad are gone. And i believe it can be a dangerous place for some. Above all else, being completely honest with yourself is vital to staying sober, with or without AA. If you’re in denial that you have a drinking problem and don’t fully believe that it’s something that needs to be fixed, nothing in the world is going to change your alcohol addiction. As alcoholism is not dependent on AA for its diagnosis, neither is sobriety.