3 years sober without AA/NA

I was 3 1/2 years sober before I really started my active recovery in earnest, started attending AA regularly, got a sponsor who guided me through the 12 steps. I also started doing individual and group therapy at the same time. And, I started reading and listening to books and podcasts that have wisdom to offer me on my path to become a better person in the world. I was lucky that I was absolutely ready to stop drinking almost 4 years ago and had friends who had quit before me whose lives appeared to be much better as a result. I don’t love everything about AA, but I have met some wise people at meetings. My sponsor happens to be amazing. He met me with empathy, no judgement, and when I told him everything about myself throughout the 12 steps, he said three important words that I needed to hear. He said, ā€œI can relate.ā€ I think the most important part about anyone’s path through recovery from alcohol is for it to be active. If we are actively doing something everyday that helps us be better, that helps us get over our own shame and guilt, that helps us be more empathetic to other people, that helps us be more honest and communicate better with our loved ones,
then we are doing it right. It sounds to me like you are being active in your recovery. Keep up the good work!

Congratulations brotha! I’m comin up on 2 years in June!

I don’t consider myself atheist or anything I just don’t personally find AA to be for me. I’ve been to like 4 or 5 meetings in total and idk if its the ADHD but it lost its appeal after the first or second time (ive tried different recovery meetings).

There were some great humans at every meeting. But I don’t know it just wasn’t a place I felt like I belonged.

I went the therapy and meds route and it wasn’t overnight, but I also found a way to better foster the friendships i currently had and deepened the bond with the homies so I could be more transparent with them.

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As someone who went into AA on day one, and has over 10 years in the program, I just want to pass on my support and congratulations. There is NO wrong way to stay sober if that’s what you want for yourself. We all do it one day at a time, and however you get through your 24 is perfect! Hope this note finds you well sir!

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Congratulations! I have a little over 9 years myself and I’ve done so without AA mostly, although I have started attending meetings over the past month. I read a lot from Celebrate Recovery myself and that helped me. Whatever works for you man, no right or wrong way. Keep going strong!

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Congratulations. AA has done infinitely more than just get and keep me sober. That’s the smallest part of AA

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Hmmm….hybrid program. Intriguing.

I hit 3 years at the end of the month. Congratulations man. That’s awesome.

congratulations ! no one is god to tell anyone the only way to get sober and stay sober and live a happy, joyous and SkyZlimit life. The good news is you know about AA and that’s all that matters as you can always go there as an option. Here’s to a long fulfilled life.

I just decided not to drink anymore!! It’s just not worth it! Zero resources…. Just will power.