Other go an extra mile to place inspiring quotes in their cars, workplaces, and phones. This keeps reminding them of how the world can be amazing without alcohol. Many of the activities that make for a healthy routine are also effective for relapse prevention. 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.
- There are loads of alternatives to AA, both local and online.
- So, it’s extra helpful to have a support network available to you when you need it.
- For many people with a substance use disorder, it’s simply a matter of never having learned the appropriate way to manage anger.
- Start a group in your area or on a social networking site like Facebook, and watch it grow.
- What type of treatment you need depends on several factors, including the severity of your addiction.
- To begin, it can take several hours to sober up from alcohol.
SOS also offers face-to-face and online meetings, as well as a forum where members can connect and support each other. It offers a variety of tools and techniques, such as meditation, mindfulness, and the Four Noble Truths, to help individuals overcome addiction. Refuge Recovery also has an online community where members can connect and support each other. It offers a variety of tools and techniques, such as self-monitoring, goal-setting, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to help individuals achieve their goals.
Alternatives to AA
LifeRing focuses mainly on the present – on living a full and positive sober life without dwelling too much on past indiscretions and hurts that may have been the result of problematic drinking. SMART Recovery programs offer both local in-person meetings and online support through a 24/7 chat board and daily online meetings. SMART Recovery programs avoid labels, such as “alcoholic,” and shy away from the disease model of addiction. They focus on methods that use both Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy components to engender change of self-destructive behaviors. A primary reason 12-step works for so many people (in my opinion) is it sets you up with a new social scene, full of folks just like yourself. If you choose to quit drinking without AA, it’s important to consider your current social scene and whether or not you’d like to change that.
In these programs, it’s customary to receive plastic chips as you progress to the one-year mark, at which time you receive a bronze coin. A therapist can help you learn new coping skills, develop new thinking patterns, and address any co-occurring mental health conditions that may make recovery more difficult. Research shows that if you maintain these types of toxic relationships, your chances of relapsing are greater. To avoid relapse and remain sober, it’s important to develop healthy relationships.
Ways To Quit Drinking Without AA
Use words especially when going through difficult moments and you will find peace within your heart. If you wanted to join the Alcoholic Anonymous group but dint manages due to finances, then this approach may work best for you. You can take advantage of these places to start your amazing journey to recovery. Anger is a normal and natural can you stay sober without aa emotion, but how you deal with it will make a difference in maintaining your recovery. For example, you may have developed a co-dependent relationship, or a family member, friend, or employer may have been enabling you without even knowing it. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine.
Rehab programs are the right choice for some people, but they can be too expensive for others. Also, with the exception of online rehab, these programs can be very disruptive to work and family life. Finally, many residential and outpatient programs are based on 12 step philosophy. If this perspective is a reason you want to stop drinking without AA, these won’t be suitable.
Practice Healthy Living
Developing a structured routine can help a person stick to their sobriety goals, make healthy decisions, and reduce the likelihood of triggers and relapse. Establishing a routine with regular sleep https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and support group attendance can reduce stress and help you stay sober. Some people may find that wearable devices and smartphone apps can support their recovery from alcohol use disorder.
In addition to guidance and support, some of the apps also can help you get immediate help from your network or find a ride to a support group meeting. We are here to provide assistance in locating an Ark Behavioral Health treatment center that may meet your treatment needs. Ian has two children and he enjoys Formula One and Golf in his spare time when he’s not writing for this website.