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. 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.
Regular Exercise
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. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters.
SMART Recovery Groups for Alcohol Addiction
Peer support is a big part of LifeRing recovery programs, as individuals share advice with other members, and offer support and encouragement in recovery. 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 getting sober without aa of problematic drinking. The group works on developing techniques to enhance this version of self instead of the addict self who has previously been in control of all decisions and led to destruction in life. Each person is encouraged to find their own method of encouraging their sober self within a LifeRing program.
- Rehab programs are the right choice for some people, but they can be too expensive for others.
- Staying committed to your goal, even through setbacks, empowers you to overcome challenges and embrace your newfound sober lifestyle.
- Setbacks don’t erase progress, though, and they don’t mean you’ve “failed” to stay sober.
- They will, therefore, resort to drinking in order to forget the harsh reality for a while.
Healthy Lifestyle Changes
You may again seek out the people and situations that support your alcohol use. Some people who move from a controlled and protective setting find themselves awash in the environmental cues that lead to their drinking. Sobriety can be a fixed-term goal like staying sober for a set period (such as Dry January), or a lifelong goal of staying sober from all substances. Once they read the message in those quotations, they feel encouraged to stay sober every day. Other go an extra mile to place inspiring quotes in their cars, workplaces, and phones.
- Methadone kept me from getting sick in the morning, so I never had to take unnecessary risks to make money and ward off heroin withdrawal.
- There are many ways you can recover from your drinking problem.
- One way to do this is to practice mindfulness, which can help you stay present and aware of your thoughts and feelings.
- A mocktail looks like a cocktail but doesn’t have any alcohol in it.
Find Balance in Your Life
There are a variety of treatment methods available for individuals looking to maintain Sobriety without attending AA. Medication-assisted treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, healthy lifestyle changes, rehabilitation centers, and professional counseling are all effective methods for managing substance use disorders. In summary, when it comes to how to quit drinking without AA, there are many options and many effective paths. You can look for alternative groups with perspectives closer to your own.
A counselor can address your personal issues and hold you accountable for your addiction. Studies show that certain brain chemicals play a role in addiction. It also promotes confidence and structure, which are important to recovery.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Take our short alcohol quiz to learn where you fall on the drinking spectrum and if you might benefit from quitting or cutting back on alcohol. If you are tapering off alcohol or pursuing moderation, it helps to give yourself objective data. Use a drink-tracking app, a notebook, or a breathalyzer to record how much you are actually drinking every day. This will keep you honest with yourself and your support system, and help you stick to your goals. There are advantages to the 12 step method, and many people experience success with it. However, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) doesn’t mesh with everyone’s perspective.
How Long Does it Take to Feel the Effects of Not Drinking?
Why some people swear by Alcoholics Anonymous — and others despise it – Vox.com
Why some people swear by Alcoholics Anonymous — and others despise it.
Posted: Tue, 02 Jan 2018 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Educate yourself about the long-term physical and psychological effects of substance use disorder. By becoming well-informed about the risks involved, you reinforce your commitment to quit using, gain the power to resist temptations and stay on course. When I started getting sober, I didnt spend time listening to the Big Bookers beat the 12 steps into my head. I found, in moments of anxiety or worry, that the best remedy was not sitting and stewing in my thoughts but rather launching my body into motion.
If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified medical services provider. Workit Health providers can and do prescribe medication (as appropriate) as part of treatment for alcohol use disorder. You nor your loved one are under any obligation to commit to an Ark Behavioral Health treatment program when calling our helpline. Trained professionals can help you integrate whatever medication is available into your treatment program.
Finally, if you find all of these options too time consuming, expensive, or fussy, you can always go it alone. This can be a lot more difficult—and even dangerous if you have a severe enough addiction. That said, there have always been people who are able to quit drinking without a group or a program. 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.
