Has anyone stayed sober without being involved in a program?

Recovery
#21

Carl jung Believed that what we needed was a psychic change to stay sober and what ever way you find achieve that go for it with everything you have and live your truth

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#23

I'm not a big 12 stepper but do go to meetings. I think it's that accountability thing.
I actually preferred IOP over AA, there was more discussion amongst the group. Ins didn't cover it all so I couldn't afford it.
I get more responding here and Sober Grid than AA. It really does help. Best of luck to you. Reach out anytime, I'm here for the long haul.

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#24

Got sober in AA in 1989. Stopped working a program in the mid 1990’s. Stayed sober (dry) until May 2016. I think that’s 27 years. I went thru a lot during those years. Looking back now, I sure do wish I’d had a daily program and the fellowship I have currently. It sucked doing it alone. I was very lonely. Not sure why someone wouldn’t want the fellowship and to be spiritually fit. Life is so much better this way…for me

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#25

I’m a month in - doing it myself :woman_shrugging:t3:

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#26

Hi Violet, I got sober on my own, for the first three years I didn’t attend meetings, but I had a rigorous program designed by myself. Around the 3 year mark I started attending The Luckiest Club meetings, and some AA meeting. Right now I maybe attend 1 meeting a week, but am diligent about my other work. I have not worked a specific program designed by someone else this time around, and it has worked for me. If you are looking for meetings with varying forms of support and program I suggest checking out the following: The Luckiest Club, Tempest, SMART Recovery, Recovery Dharma, Refuge Recovery, The Sober Faction, Women for Sobriety, Secular Organizations for Sobriety. Whatever you do, keep your sobriety first, that has been the saving grace for me.

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#27

I am almost at a year too but haven’t used a program either. I feel the same..open to it but just haven’t found something yet. Happy to be an accountability partner!

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#28

Thank you! Yes it helps, I’m a Christian so I do believe God is my “higher power” as they say & I know my issues of why I used to use & drink so right now it’s all about finding the right people for me :slight_smile: thank you!

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#29

Thank you so much Marsha, this makes perfect sense. & I love how you are non judgmental that is what I want in my life and you are very inspiring to me. Thank you so much, I can take a lot from your advice :blush:

#30

Yes for sure’ add me & we can chat, someone told me to look into SMART which doesn’t look to bad. I think the big thing for me is just to find some good sober ppl that’s all I need

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#31

I agree Charlie, IOP got me sober because we all became friends and I think that’s what keeps me sober is the people. I just need to find my own group!

#32

Just get a sponsor and you'll fit in eventually. I know it's scary but some sober people that go to meetings still don't really trust others and newcomers. So they may be kinda you know, standoffish etc. If you grab a sponsor at the meetings and meet with her at meeting times, she might introduce you to others and then others will chat with you etc. They will probably trust you more. Some alcoholics have been thru serious betrayal so they may seem kinda you know lol

#33

Reach out anytime

#34

That's awesome. I am the same. I read a book called Alcohol lied to me and that got me where I needed to be in my head.:blush:

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#35

Hi Violet,
Yes, I haven't used a program. Everything isn't for everyone. People have to find what works for the person in the mirror. All the best to you.

#36

I've been sober from alcohol for almost 2 years and haven't worked a "program" per sé. No meetings. I have no urges or desire to drink. Everybody is different. I just remind myself how far I've come and how much I'll lose if I drink again.

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#37

That’s awesome keep it up

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#38

Violet. I don't use Facebook or anything like that. But my email is trainer1313@gmail.com Do you like to hike. If you're ever in New England, let me know, and I will take you. I'm a Professional Mountain Guide for Redline Guiding in North Conway NH.
Peace! Howard

#39

Just remember that people are people. There are going to be “good” people, and there are going to be “bad” people in whatever group, organization, institution, program, community you choose. We are supposed to learn to accept that and live amongst any people without using substances to cope. That’s recovery.

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#40

Thank you! I’m in California but if I ever make it out there I will email you!!

#41

Same same