Going to my second AA meeting today. I don’t have a sponsor, and the religious parts make me pretty uncomfortable. I will still go, but aren’t there any other options?
10 Likes
I agree with you I too don’t have a sponsor I do believe in God higher power but it can get a little overwhelming at times in the meetings Try to find a guy in promgram and reach out… I watch a lot of movies or listen to podcasts and other things Educating myself on a Healthy Lifestyle!!!
2 Likes
I agree sometimes the religious part gets to be to much. Take what you need and leave the rest.
2 Likes
I learned a lot on utube and I watch lots of documentaries there is a lesson everywhere. Main thing is stay strong and reach out.
2 Likes
Thanks everyone. So, how do you get a sponsor?
1 Like
Perfect. Thank you
1 Like
Try smart recovery
3 Likes
Cool! Thanks!
Plenty of other options. Smart recovery and another that I liked was secular organizations for sobriety {sos}. Look them up.
1 Like
Google AA Alternatives, SMART RECOVERY was mentioned, that I enjoy. Refuge Recovery, Recovery Dharma, SOS and others
2 Likes
Before you pick a sponsor, my suggestion is listen to what the people are saying when they speak and see if you can relate or a connection is there. When I was going to AA, I went to several different mtgs mornings, afternoons, and evenings. After 3 weeks I finally settled on one for my home base. I sat and listened and after 2 weeks of hearing what people said on the readings I made my choice and it has been a great journey. Wishing you the best. Let me know how you make out. Jersey Shore here
2 Likes
Sometimes the religious is good for us, but it’s really not religious. More spiritual then anything. Sometimes things just happen and u just can’t explain it u kno. That’s the spiritual part . U will get there when ur ready 
1 Like
Religion is for people that don’t want to go to a place of darkness
Spirituality is for people who have been to a place of darkness and don’t want to go back!!
And if God runs you out of AA/NA alcohol and drugs will run you right back in!!
Get you a sponsor!!
Get busy it’s not that bad man in the beginning take what you need and leave the rest just begin man!!!
If the God concept is uncomfortable for you think of it as Good Orderly Direction until you can wrap your head around God!!
Simply ask. If one doesn’t work out, find another. 
also - read through the section in the big book called “we agnostics” and see how you feel? I was agnostic prior to starting the program and have since began leaning on the god of my childhood who I’m beginning to realize has been with me all along. That chapter is one of the best arguments on spiritual existence that I’ve ever read, sending love
1 Like
Don’t trip on the religious stuff. I’m not fond of religion at all! But I did create my own spirituality. I focused on my sobriety and utilized the program & community to the fullest. Sobriety is the priority. I’m 14+ years sober and here if you have questions or concerns.
1 Like
I get it, Nicholas. The religious aspect did at one time bother me as I believe religion is a human construct and therefore filled with human foibles. An understanding that there is definitely an undeniably something greater than me is beyond doubt and I call that faith.
Are there any secular meetings where you are? Google recovery and you'll get all sorts of programs and links.
There are secular AA meetings. No god. Those are the main meetings I go to. What city are you in?
I find that chapter to be condescending and largely nonsense.
Im sorry that you find the chapter to be condescending and largely nonsense. Hundreds of thousands of other alcoholics would collectively disagree. I’d also assume the 100 other alcoholics who assisted in writing the book would deem the chapter necessary for recovery. Dissect the big book all you want — there are too many people finding freedom from recovery through the program for me to declare any of it “nonsense”
From one alcoholic to another — I pray your continuous sobriety & wish you well.
SMART recovery. 
3 Likes