Hi. I'm new to this app. I'm 8 months sober and I've been doing it without programs. I have my own personal process that has been working great for me. I have a great support system, I use the tools available, and I believe in myself like I never have before.
Any one else out there on a successful sober path without sobriety programs?
Hi Neon, would you mind sharing your process? Today is my first day at this attempt. I’d like to arm myself with all the tools I can
Of course
Ive been in many different programs before. I've picked and chosen things that work for me. I think it's personal. What works for me might be different than what works for you.
I did make a personal inventory. I wrote down things about myself that were problematic and destructive. Things I did that hurt and caused destruction.
I use this list as a reference of what I need to work on. Reminders: why I can't drink/use. what happens when I do. For me, it was death. I was dying. Alcohol was killing me. I was making excuses for why I couldn't quit. Then I had to face it. I am allergic to alcohol. I can't control how much, after any.
After sitting with myself and getting to know myself, Ive been doing meditation, self care (my mental, physical, emotional health). I have developed a hatred for alcohol. I realized that it's not really good or harmless for anyone. It's just that for alot of people, the effects of alcohol in their lives, are small. They have the ability to control the poison. I am not. There will never be an ok drink for me. Knowing that, and reminding myself every day, helps alot. I'm in sober Facebook groups (The Satanic Temple Sober faction). I talk to as many people as I can. I never keep my feelings bottled up. I never blame myself, because I know addiction is a disease I am working on recovering from. I also remind myself that recovery takes a lifetime of work and maintenance. I listen to tons of music and watch movies to distract and get out of my head. I make art. I believe in myself. I know that I can do this if I'm strong, honest with myself, self disciplined, and enduring.
I hope that makes sense. My cheap phone isn't working right lol. I've forgotten some things I'm sure. If you ever wanna chat, I'd be happy to.
Forgot to tag you
Wow!! This was amazing. Thank you for taking the time to write this and sharing it all. What an inspiration. The main message is that it’s personal and it’s a journey. Will definitely keep this in mind on my journey. Sending you much love and light 
Me but I do lean on Jesus and have a church community
I’m impressed Neon. You are highly intelligent and very insightful to take on and conquer such a powerful disease.
I didn’t do it for very long on my own. Meetings are a way to connect with new friends now. I’m all in with AA and don’t feel a stigma as not drinking is less of a struggle now.
Hi Neon! For my first three years I did it completely on my own, now i attend meetings from various programs intermittently, but do not “work” any of those programs. Like you i pick and choose what works and leave the rest. It’s what has worked best for me.
Hi Neon, Loosid helps a lot and finding local groups (Namastay Sober out of Boston, a local recovery meditation program)
This will be my first time without a program
Do you know what works best for you? What's your plan?