Anyone get sober without going to AA? Just

Yes. I’ve been completely sober since 1/19/21 and I did it on my own. Never once attended a meeting and I have no interest in ever drinking again. The thought never comes into my mind and quite honestly makes me sick to my stomach to think about. It is very possibly and was extremely easy for me to accomplish. I get not everyone can do it on this manor, but it did work for me.

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It can be accomplished on your own if your mindset is correct. The problem with aa people is they think they are better than you because they went through the 12 steps. Here’s e thing about recovery. There is no right or wrong way, just the way that works for you. The attitude I’ve received from the holier than thou AA sect is enough to make me not want to be friends with anyone who has gone through the program.

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I know many who have. I personally cant stand AA and find it depressing and too dogmatic. So if you find it’s not for you, no worries—it’s not the only solution.

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I decided on 10/29/18 to get sober for the first time in my life and I did it completely by myself, with no outside resources. I haven’t relapsed once nor do I ever have an inkling to drink or use. I still go out to the bars to watch sports and I have total control over my life. It can be done and it feels amazing.

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If we could have drank like others we would. Hang out, if you start hearing your story

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Any kind of help, helps.

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I, too, have had mixed experiences in AA. I’ve definitely experienced the toxic underbelly of it all, but I’m also super grateful for everything I learned through meetings. The tools and principles have helped me a lot. I try to ignore the other stuff. I stick to the basics and keep my side of the street clean. ODAAT 4/08/07

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I went to 28 day rehab in 2015, which was AA and Lifering based.

After rehab, I haven't been to a meeting and that's by my own choice. However, I also made a sobriety plan and schedule. I stuck to it and have over 7.5 years sober.

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Choose a path that works for you. I am in AA but I also lean on other sober community programs to get support from.

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People quit for different reasons. I quit because I was told that I would need to be on long term medication that I could not drink on. However I did find therapists who specialized in supporting people who were quitting drinking.

I’ve tried multiple and different non-step programs and they haven’t work for me. Got as far as step 7 in AA only to quit thinking I could handle it and ultimately relapse again. I’m sticking to the 12 steps in AA this time and so far so good.

Me

I was really scared to go to AA, I’m similar to you, I cannot stop when I start. I was drinking everyday and the amount kept increasing. I finally got the courage to check out a meeting and it was like a breath of fresh air, once people start sharing their stories it really makes you feel less alone. And if the higher power thing is something you struggle with, just think of the group as your higher power for now, or something in the universe that you can give your worries up to, and that will work as a start. But if you do go, try to start reading the Big Book and get a sponsor ASAP as that was my demise.

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I started my recovery in rehab and I made the choice early on that AA was not going to be a part of my recovery. If you still want some structure, but don't like AA there is Smart Recovery that a lot like more as it has a bit more of a modern approach.

I haven't been to a meeting since rehab 10 months ago.

Remember, recovery isn't a one size fits all thing. Don't be afraid to try new things, but don't do it if you do not find value in it

Yep :grin:

I was sober 13 yrs after rehab..but I lost my family and moved and slipped Aug 1. I have gone to AA now and think I want/need sobriety again..this is month 6 drinking. It included liquor this time (progressive). I got off the liquor. I don’t believe in AA for all things..it’s not a cure-all; it doesn’t have all the answers but I feel better when I go.

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I just assume go back to drinking than be a dry drunk. I owe my life to the AA Fellowship. I fought the program for years, because I thought I knew better than anyone else. It was not my drinking that was the problem. It was my thinking. The drinking is what I did. The problem was me, how I reacted to people and circumstances. Now I get out of my own way and practice the program and do my best to help other alcoholics. There are so many misconceptions about AA. Contempt without investigation for many who do not see it as an option. But, hey….if standing on your head 5 minutes a day keeps you sober, do that.

SMART Recovery is a program that I have gotten a lot out of. They go a different route than AA. You just say who you are with no labels. You do things as a group with no sponsors. Cross talking is allowed. It’s based on 14 tools instead of steps. It’s a positive approach to sobriety that is based in cognitive therapy. They have an app to download to see an overview and where meetings are currently in your area.

Kind of! I got sober by trying just about every sobriety tactic I could get my hands on. Loosid actually ended up being the biggest help, especially my first 6 months. But I went to a few in person and online AA meetings, did women’s recovery groups, listened to sobriety podcasts nonstop, read an insane amount of quit lit, went to therapy, even did a sleeping hypnosis thing at night for a while! I think, for me, it was important to not write ANYTHING off- AA included. I decided I was going to get fckng sober and I’d try everything there was until something clicked. I didn’t attend too many AA things, but you can bet your chickens I gave it a shot!
They all ended up having value (even the hypnosis!) and helped build my sobriety. Highly recommend the “go maniac and try everything” tactic :rofl:

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Totally agree! AA is another addiction for
Narcissists. The same people talk all the time about themselves. Blah, blah and more blah.
Lol🎣