Before I ask my question, I’ll tell you I’m a dually licensed therapist for mental health and addiction. I’ve also been to some AA/NA meetings in my past in early recovery. They did not help me one bit. I used various other methods for getting and staying sober…I see tons of people in here pushing meetings, getting a sponsor and working the steps, many have even said “you can’t get and stay sober if you don’t go to meetings and work the steps.” Which obviously isn’t true. AA/NA aren’t bad and can work, for some people, but not all. But a lot of people in here make it as if going to meetings and working the steps are the only way to get and stay sober…So, my question is this…Why are meetings, sponsors and working the steps so heavily pushed by a majority of people that it almost seems pressured by some and forced but yet I have maybe seen a handful of people recommend actual therapy, be it individual and/or therapy groups? Not trying to start an argument with anybody, but AA/NA is not a guarantee for sobriety, so I’m genuinely curious as to why hardly nobody recommends actually therapy and treatment to others compared to just going to meetings and working the steps?
Curious for an answer too, Daniel. I am a licensed social worker who also happens to be sober. I do not as a practice attend AA meetings, and have not worked the steps. But I see a therapist consistently and work sobriety in my own way and it works for me.
I do find it interesting the huge push for it all! I’ve been to meetings to try them out before, but it just wasn’t for me for various reasons. I’ve never worked the steps either as they didn’t seem to get to the root cause of my abuse. Nothing against them, I’ve actually taught a program called “understanding the 12 steps” to groups in various settings many years ago. But I got sober my own way. And that’s all that should matter, is what works for each of us individually. Congrats on sobriety! Keep fighting!
I was fortunate to make it to a rehab. Individual AND group therapy occurred while there. Additionally, folks from AA and NA brought meetings in every night. It was suggested I continue with outpatient care upon my release, which I did. It was also suggested I make 90 meetings in 90 days. I made 128. I got a sponsor before I left the rehab. I took every suggestion. And that’s all they were….suggestions. Nobody forced AA on me. I chose to pay attention and take the simple suggestions to save my life. Surely AA, NA, CA, are not the only way & I’d never say they were…but they’ve worked for me for the past 35 years, one day at a time. It’s a program of attraction, not promotion. Best to all in finding the path that works for them.
I believe there are many paths to sobriety, just like there are many paths to God. My Dad got sober going to AA and going to therapy. My mom got sober going to detox, then PHP and therapy...no AA. My friend is very successful with Smart Recovery. Everyone is different.
I am glad AA programs are out there and work for folks. My thing is - whatever works for any particular person in a healthy way is great! I think the twelve steps can be a form of therapy for some and especially those who may not be able to afford therapy. On top of the fact that therapy can take a long time to even be seen let alone find a therapist who you actually click with. One of the most embarrassing times I’ve ever had while trying to get sober as when a psychiatrist (recommended by my therapist) told me they would not see alcoholics that were not fully sober for a length of time. No other options, no resources to help, no pathway, just a resounding NO. I am thankful for the work therapist do but so many only know addiction on paper. While I don’t want anyone to have to know what it is that we go through, sometimes only another addict can help. I “white knuckled” sobriety and while meetings aren’t for me, I really crave a community of other people who get it whether for support or just to socialize. Anyways, I say whatever it takes is a good thing.
Keep on keepin on everybody, Much Love.
I started out doing meetings & sponsor I feel its beneficial especially in the beginning of recovery the support, feeling apart of something that is positive,non judgemental & can help - on the other hand I've been sober 9 years now ( I've been through recovery a few times.... I feel it's a personal preference & I feel its what helps each individual, maybe some other circumstances.... I'm open to what works for ourselves, but to still be open to aa/ na meetings, sponsor,12 steps can truely be a start & guide .
Maybe look at all the replies you got the last time you posted this same thing.
Simply, it works for alot of people, IF they work it. The biggest reason it is working for me is because of the friendships I have made within. Solid friends that can serve as sounding boards. Addicts helping addicts, is the long and short of it.
As a licensed proffesional dealing in addiction you should know that the root cause is your self.. alcohol is a symptom, we are the problem. Until you are willing to admit your powerlessness over alcohol and to accept alot of facts, and to change what you can, you will continue to struggle.
No one is forcing AA/NA we suggest what has worked for hundreds of thousands across the GLOBE including myself. To each his own but nothing changes if nothing changes. Talking down on AA or NA even suggesting it doesn’t work sends the wrong message. You don’t hear AA members talking down on other methods, at least I don’t see it on here.
I did therapy and IOP trying to sober/clean for many years. I relapsed constantly until I hunkered down with a sponsor. She simply took me through the steps. When I hit step 4 my nightmares reached a whole new level of disturbing. By the time I reached step 12, she asked me about dreams… it was then I realized I was having fairly normal dreams. Nothing too crazy. She stated that was a good indication of where my mental state was at.
At this point in my life..life is pretty boring and uneventful… It’s peaceful.
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
OK so honestly so.e people aren't going to like this but here are the facts and you can check them aswell by a book called the truth about "addiction and recovery" which is wrote by real doctors and all info is based on. Real studies and are sourced and noted aa/na works for some people but more people get sober on their own simply because they get tired of it And make the needed changes and move forward in life aa/na has the highest relapse and return to addiction rate because it forces its believers Into thinking that they are incapable of making positive choices without the aid of their fellowship which is not true and can be dangerous now I go to both aa/na meetings I love the unity and appreciate the structure however I am not powerless and refuse to believe I need anything in life besides water and food to survive this program is pushed because that's what they are taught other people who simply stop on thierown move forward in life and don't push na/aa a d usually do t engage in things like this or the programs as they look at tiger addiction as a phase instead of a disease
Self described Big Book thumper here. But I never say A.A. is the only way. But here is why it’s suggested often.
- it’s a successful solution to Alcoholism
- it’s free, drunks and addicts are rarely flush with cash at there bottom
- you can have more degrees than Phoenix in July. No one understands an alcoholic like another alcoholic.
- A.A. literature highly suggests psychiatrist, therapist and doctors.
- A.A. literature also states “we have no monopoly on sobriety” “we know but a little”
Basically it works for lots of people is readily available and doesn’t cost a dime. Why wouldn’t it be suggested????
Typical therapist. All science, no faith. Science and knowledge couldn't help my problem, I needed something greater than myself to pull me from deaths door. It's the only thing that worked after every other avenue was tried and failed. I would also bet money that 90% of the scientific AA bashers are true atheists. They are their own god and usually envious of people who possess faith, I know I was when I didn't have it. I find it highly irresponsible for people who call themselves trained professionals or "dually" licensed to steer people away from faith based 12 step treatments due to their own personal resentments or failures. The unpleasant fact to most science basesd professionals is this, AA is the single most successful treatment for alcoholism and addiction ever conceived. It achieved what science could not. It's saved millions upon millions of lives. While official numbers are not published due to anonymity, even doctors and the scientific community will agree on this fact.
I'm all for whatever works for people and am all for any program that cures ones additions and demons. For me personally, AA and my higher power did for me what you could not. Cant tell you how many therapiats I saw. What I have a problem with is people that actually steer people away from from something that might save thier life. Show all the options and be unbiased. Be professional. As a therapist you are responsible for more than you think.
I do meetings, the AA steps, fellowship, service work, sponsor, AND therapy. I describe my design for living life like that of an umbrella. Underneath it, I have my mental health, my physical health, and my sobriety (which includes my spirituality). I have to keep them ALL safe from any holes in the umbrella, or else I'm not emotionally sober, and that could lead towards relapse, and I don't believe I have another recovery in me.
Amen
Just for the record, I have never said to another human being, 12 Steps is the only way you will get n stay sober. Many paths lead to Sobriety but there is but one Broad Highway. Its not just a way to get Sober. Its a design for living, facing the past, tackling character defects, fears, resentments n even facing traumas. Coupled with outside therapy whenever possible, many people uncover underlying reasons why they started using in the first place, and because of the Spiritual aspect, can find inspiration, motivation n mutual support with so many points of understanding among the Fellowship, it comes to feel like an extended family, at its best. Being a counsellor myself, there is no therapy I have ever found that comes anywhere close to providing that heartfelt n empathetic relatability between two addicts and alcoholics. It is beautiful n unique in that way.We are Self Supporting based on our own contributions so money n numbers are not motivating enthusiastic endorsements by members experiencing freedom from the slavery of addiction. Addiction is a complex compulsive disorder and no one approach can promise to “Cure” it. Humans are so diverse n the solutions will not work cookie cutter for all suffering compulsive addictions. But those of us who choose the 12 Step Path find the possibility of success is reflected all around us and we are never alone. Modern therapy is often quite isolating, and you do not have a list of phone numbers to call for support if you have been triggered in a session. You
Must depart the office, the building its in, and go home and deal
With the fallout yourself. And powerlessness does not mean over everything, so that one lays around helpless wailing they can’t do anything about anything. It is a statement designed to reintroduce self honesty to the alcoholic/ addict who has been lying to themselves n for es them to accept the obvious truth that most everyone around them
Already knows. They Are Alcoholic and cannot manage their affairs. And a Higher Power of each persons understanding can be sought for Spiritual
Grounding n contact. It is by attraction not promotion but many of us are very passionate about something that has saved our lives. And even families live n let Live. 12 Steps is Global n incredibly vital to members in War-torn countries as a way of emotional n Spiritual survival. May the God of your understanding Bless you.I ‘m grateful I found this early on in life n even though it took me many years to surrender my addictive lifestyle, the benefits are astounding. Peace be with you. It works for untold millions Sky B 38 yrs in August yeah, not alone. 
🪶:sparkles:
🦬
I personally don’t push either but I’ve done both and as far as sobriety and staying sober so far the spiritual aspect of AA is the only thing that has worked.
Yes therapy has helped with what i once believed was the reason for my alcohol intake, loss of wife and daughter among others I love. However without the spiritual aspect even groups through church programs never helped with my disease after all it is a disease. One would think a doctor could help, but in my case and countless others it could not.
Hope you find the answer to your question,
I think both therapy and meetings can work. Therapy seems like it’s less often than meetings. In my opinion, the power of connection is what keeps someone in recovery and actively sober.
I think using both is wise and specifically a somatic approach, but I think folks stand behind the 12 steps because of the spiritual, community oriented & action based aspects. One example, therapy may guide you to, but does not require you face your wrong doings and make direct amends to those you have harmed, but the steps do require this & is a big key in why it works. Also, there really is something deeper to working with another alcoholic that gets the basic self more fully on board. I am personally a firm believer that there are many paths & whatever works for each individual is perfect. Hope this helps. Happy to speak more:)