I’m not discontent. I’m very happy in my life, all aspects of it. Temptation happens all the time for people. And I continue to work through it in my own ways.
Daniel, I think the AA people are making your point for you.
5/26/2024 I celebrated 1 year of Sobriety. I rarely go to meetings,I don’t have a sponsor, and I never worked the steps.
I agree with you that those who are hardcore into it and had it work. Some of them. Try to push it hard as if it’s the only way. I’ve never said it doesn’t work. Never said don’t try it. Have said multiple times to do what works for each, but there are many ways and methods. That’s all I ever said. I do believe you are correct! I recommend it, but I don’t make it come off as a savior so to speak. Congrats on finding what works for you. Keep pushing.
2.5 years. No meetings, never had a sponsor, have no idea what the steps are and less of an idea of what a big book is. To each their own. Find success in any method available to you.
2 Likes
We all have the same end result in mind. Who cares how you get there!
Hey Daniel,
I think I've seem therapy recommended here, and I for sure recommend it. For anyone at all, because trained therapists have an arsenal of resources that are very helpful.
I think the drive for AA is that for a spiritual program of recovery in community, which we have here as well.
Thanks for the topic.
1 Like
Grateful you aren't my therapist nonetheless 
You say in your bio that you still have your temptations, which means that you still have an alcoholic mind. I would highly recommend giving AA another shot. Going in with an open mind, being willing to actively listen and follow the suggestions of people who have recovered, and relating and identifying with people, along with building and maintaining a relationship with a power greater than yourself are the road map to freedom. I'm praying for you, brother. AA works if you work it.
I had to go through the process to get to the other side. I’m very glad I did!
That is the easiest question of all.
Economics!
AA is a Free program with a long history of success with measurable steps and goals.
Therapy is an expensive and quite exclusive treatment that has no measurable ending in site.
I didn't use AA myself, but the answer for many is obvious...they lack privilege.
This is my opinion only. I’ve tried various other applications. Church. THERAPY. Hospital, hospitals and institutions.
And I always always went back out and picked up a drink and a drug.
I came into the fellowship and I was with people that were just like me. Finally realized I was not alone once I got a sponsor and started working the steps and got down to the Real causes and conditions. Of my hopeless state of mind and body.
I was able to share an honest, moral amatory of myself to another addict or Alcoholic.
In therapy I felt being judged. I felt like they did not understand. I felt like they had not been like me.
So how could I open up my deepest, darkest secrets to them.
Through the steps with a sponsor going to meetings and doing service like sharing my experience strength and hope at meetings treatment centers so so forth.
I am now free of a hopeless state of mind and body. I have not had a drink or drug over 23 years I am more conscious than I have ever been in my whole life.
There are always temptations at times. Not often, but occasionally. Using the methods I’ve developed over the years, I’m able to overcome those temptations and keep moving forward without issue. AA/NA wasn’t for me, I’ve tried it, worked it and it wasn’t a fit for me. Nothing wrong with that and nothing wrong with the program. I’m all for whatever works for an individual, even if it’s using multiple methods. I do have a relationship with God, that’s my higher power, and my faith is one big component that guides me. I also use many methods in therapy with my clients, as we find what works best for them. I appreciate the suggestion and prayer. I’m in a good place and that’s one of the things that helps me with my clients, I know is what they’re going through and relate to them. Once they find out I’m a recovered individual, they open up more to the process and finding a way that works best. That’s all that matters, sobriety anyway it can happen. Keep pushing through and your continued recovery will be in prayers as well.
AA/NA is free, you’re absolutely right. But explain to me how therapy has no measurable goals or ending in sight? Cause I’ve seen many of my clients have measurable goals and come to an ending for their addiction. One of the first things I do with clients is come up with a treatment plan that has specific goals to reach and steps to take to get there. Often times using SMART goals, which are measurable and also time specific. I can’t speak for all therapists, but in my private practice, I also offer very low fees and even see some people at no cost if they are financially unable, as I know ow the difficulty sometimes and the importance with getting sober. I also work with a lot of clients through DSS, who pay for services and other forms where individuals don’t have to pay. But therapy is measurable and has an end. There are benefits to all programs and methods.
Ok, Daniel, and this is just for an intellectual discussion ..
What are the steps that every therapist uses, in order, that achieve a lasting sobriety. How will the client know where they are in recovery, and how will yhe therapist know they are cured?
Theses are measurable and deliverable.
How does therapy achieve these on a consistent basis?
I can’t speak for other therapists. I use a variety of methods. I have tons of addiction and recovery books, handouts, goals, etc that I use. Clients also use SMART goals, those are specific and measurable goals. Clients can know where they are in recovery in many ways, by following the treatment plan of their measurable goals that are developed. There is no “cure” for the disease of addiction. There will always be work needed to be done to remain sober. And if you’re trying to say that AA/NA is the only way or is the only method that has an end and measurable goals, tell me how and how the individual will know. I already know ie, as I’ve said before, I’ve been to meetings, know a lot of people who attend and I’ve taught classes on understanding the 12 steps, so I’m aware of the program. And also, how will the individual know they are “cured,” cause I’ve never met an addict or alcoholic that has been cured. And this isn’t bashing the program, as I know is it helps many people, but I also know people who have been sober for years and go through the program and relapse for various reasons, as I’ve also been known people who go through therapy, medication treatment, etc., and still relapse. No cure,but hard work, focus and a method/program or methods/programs that work best help individuals recover and overcome.
When I work with clients who are with me for addiction, I always have measureable goals that I guide them in developing. Always. And I always track progress with them and update treatment plans as we go through whatever method found that works for them. Sometimes it’s trial and error as well. That’s one way how they know where they are. Let me ask you this. Say you’re on step 4, 6, or whatever step, how do you truly know where you are or that you’re progressing? Cause anything Can happen anytime. What does a person do if they go to make amends and that person shoots them down and doesn’t accept, then the person working on recovery takes it hard and drinks or uses? Cause it’s possible, cause I’ve seen it happen. Nothing is a guarantee. I’ll say the same for therapy, medication treatment, groups, inpatient, etc. It seems as if you’re not open minded to other methods outside of meetings and the steps? At least those who have disagreed with me and push AA/NA have also been open to finding what works for each person and not try to say AA/NA are the only things measureable. Because that’s highly incorrect.
$$$. AA is extremely cheap compared to therapy.
Personally, I just ignore the few people that say there's only one way.
That wasn't much of an answer. So. If I am reading this right, each therapist is independent, setting their own agenda and goals. How would a person know if the therapist has almost 100 years of success? Have they had millions of success stories? Does there cost compare to the cost of other programs?
If you are representing your field, shouldn't you be able to answer those questions with statements? I am not here to defend AA. It's value is well known.