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Take one step at a time and break everything into shorter goals. Look at sobriety in stages, from detox to addiction treatment to sober living to everyday life. Yes, it is definitely possible to get sober without AA. In fact, some other treatment methods are https://ecosoberhouse.com/ just as, if not more, effective as these 12-step programs. There are plenty of other ways to develop coping strategies, identify triggers, and manage a sober lifestyle. These methods may even have higher rates of success and long-term sobriety than AA.
It was only after speaking to friends in the online recovery community that I gained awareness of the millions of people out there who don’t utilize the 12 Steps. There are people in long-term recovery with five, ten, even 20 years of sobriety under their belts that don’t use the Steps. Liv is passionate about challenging limiting mentalities and empowering others to direct their own lives, health, and recovery.
Attend Recovery Groups Even After Getting Sober
I always thought it was strange that AA seemed very “God” based, but since it did not directly affect me or my family, I didn’t really care. May the Flying Spaghetti Monster, Festivas Beer can Pole or anything else you believe in or don’t believe in help you to continue to stay sober and be content in 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. Your mental health is extremely important in your recovery.
- “Our traumas run so deep that we often feel stuck, as if we will never find solutions to the struggles we face.
- They do not believe in using any kind of medication to help you stay sober, even though statistics tell us these drugs do work.
- AA is highly judgmental when it comes to MAT or medication-assisted treatment.
- A manic episode related to bipolar disorder can set off cravings for alcohol.
- 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.
Some people attribute their sobriety to AA and the 12 steps. When I decided I would get sober on August 1st, 2015, I knew I would do so without Alcoholics Anonymous. I had tried the program in 2009, but hadn’t connected with it. I didn’t stay sober for long that first time—not because of AA, but because I wasn’t ready. I hadn’t taken the time to think about what might work best for me.
What Does It Take To Stay Sober Long Term?
Just like you, I am addicted to pleasure…and air and water and just life in general. Human beings are biologically programmed to seek pleasure and avoid fear and pain.
- It’s a great way to get to know others in your neighborhood—or anywhere else!
- Think about going to counseling or family therapy to help with that and to deal with other personal issues.
- I was desperate, sick, and willing to do anything that stopped me from killing myself.
- Maybe you should consider replacing that old booze fix with something positive.
This may reflect their higher drinking levels or levels of addiction than women, or may reflect greater pessimism. Tracy Murphy, this community involves a secret Facebook group that serves as a confidential place for queer, trans, and questioning folks who are sober, in recovery, or sober curious to share together. Sometimes, you just need a community that gets you on several levels. LGBTteetotaler can provide that boost of extra confidence. SBGC is a community that provides resources and support to Black girls, womxn, and non-binary folks considering beautiful sober lives.
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You may also experience what is commonly called sobriety fatigue, which refers to the overall exhaustion that may occur as a result of the emotional and physical stress of staying sober. So, it’s extra helpful to have a support network available to you when you need it. It may help to pick a quit date, or a day when you choose get sober without aa to discontinue use of alcohol or drugs. It’s also helpful to change your environment—for instance, avoid going to bars. McCarthy has worked at large enterprise recovery centers across the country spearheading business development teams. You might need to decline invitations to events if you don’t feel comfortable.
The best part of my job isbeing able to show up for my team and clients; they all mean the world to me. I get to brainstorm and strategize with tons of different personalities. A lot of the team does not know, but I love learning from them.
Addiction Recovery Blog
By definition, “sobriety” means not using a certain substance and committing to stop using it. Sobriety can also, however, define the process of recovery and developing long-term coping tools. It’s no secret that getting sober after having an alcohol abuse problem takes a lot of work. There are many different methods out there to encourage individuals to get and stay sober, but it isn’t as easy as it may look. At some point in your recovery, you’ll feel stressed out, whether it’s major stress or minor stress .