do I have to do the steps?
I'm 5 months clean and now quitting alcohol
I don't feel like I struggle to stay sober anymore but I struggle in my life
I just don't know
I don't feel comfortable with the group's
that's why I'm here tho
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I am 7 months clean and never been to a group and I have never felt better
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You still need to maintain your recovery each and everyday. Your addiction and character defects can still be present even without using, they just manifest in different ways. You don't necessarily have to go to meetings if that doesn't jive with you but you do need to build your recovery off of something. Strong houses withstand storms when built on a strong foundation. Build your foundation so you dont blow over when things get tough. Keep gojng and always know you can reach out whenever needed.
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I suggest doing the steps regardless but ur recovery is ur path not mine. I say this becuz u can still work the steps even wen it doesn't pertain too drugs and alcohol. The disease of addiction can come in many different forms. Like I said the choice is ultimately urs, whatever works for u
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The steps are beautiful! It isnt fear free. But, nothing that gives you what those steps will would be . How hard did you spend time looking to get high everyday? How hard did you work or beg for money so you could use.? I found for myself that if I dedicated the same amount of time to my sobriety as I did in making myself sick, I got better. But, best of all the steps showed me who I was. I could let go of my shame, self hatred, bullshit thinking. I found a joy I hadn't had in years. I always felt that my resistance was my addict talking not my sober person. What have you got to lose? What else are you doing with your time. Do them, you become free, self assured, trustworthy, knowledgeable, kind, loving. Everything you deserve
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I've been clean for 12 years I do not do meetings. I did the recoveries that somewhat then I quit. Of course you belong here long as you're sober
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The 12 Steps taught me how to approach all things; parenting, anger, work projects and so many other aspects of my life. They also taught me that if I had the tools to make healthy decisions, I'd not have ended up in AA. The Steps will not hurt you, going back out will. 4 years and 9 months free of alcohol, rage, self hate and so much more all do AA and my HP.
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Everyone has their own journey. 12 step fellowships have help millions and millions of people. It is a very success way. However its not the only way. I personally found that its what I need. Keep seeking and you will find out what works for you. I also wanted to say that I didnt always have a pleasant experience when I got high, but thst didn't stop me from going back time and time again. I dont have to like medicine that makes me well, I just have to like the results.
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thanks everybody , maybe I'll keep trying.
Do your thing brother! You are strong af! Go to the root of all this.. your mind! Don’t get led down rabbit holes of you need this and that! Check out Brian Whithers on youtube and it will get you on right path of getting your thoughts aligned to create joy and happiness which is your natural state below all the old patterns and old beliefs! Holler at me anytime! I quit drinking on my own thank god and saw straight through all the bs stories of joining others in this made up journey! Its not real! None of this is and we can create heaven or the opposite. And make up stories of what else there is to do to be ok. We are ok! You are good!!! Change your mind change your world!
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Having 23 years of sobriety is a result of working the 12 steps and going to meetings
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There’s a great saying in AA…”I came for my drinking, but stayed for my thinking”
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Brother, you ain’t gotta do anything.
AA has so little to do with drinking.
It’s about gaining coping skills and learning how to handle life without alcohol.
If you can benefit from getting your mind to settle down and stop torturing you, I’d suggest you take advantage of the program.
If you’re at peace and perfectly happy, I’d still suggest you take advantage and help us who don’t have it so easy.
Either way, I’m happy for you that you’ve got things under control.
If you start feeling not so confident, just hit a meeting.
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you framed this the way I needed to hear, appreciate you and everyone here
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Only step one even mentions alcohol. Take what works for you and leave the rest.
Recovery is best when you have multiple layers of support. Think of it like layers of armor. The more support you have, the more armor you have protecting you from that first drink. If you feel up to it, read a few chapters of the big book, it can help if you're trying to figure out if you need a.a. or not.
I tried AA 4x on the 5th time I said I've had enough and I needed to do something that worked for me. I started therapy and 6 years 2 months and 1 day later I've been sober, in active recovery, and I've not stepped into a meeting once in all that time. Find what works for you and stay diligent in your pursuit of sobriety. Best Wishes.
Grey there are no rules. Only suggestions and sharing of information and experiences.
In my experience the 12 steps freed me from myself. The self that struggled hardcore with life. You can do the 12 steps without going to meetings.
I’m here if you want to talk.
I’m not interested in the groups either. I do IOP though and like that.
The steps dont teach us "how to handle your drinking, the steps teach you how to handle sobriety." So YES, you should stick with it. Congrats on 5 months!!