Thank you Rick. Wow, that sounds like a wild journey. Congrats on 3 years, that's awesome! Was there something about AA that didn't work for you? Did you have a particular support system, a certain person or you were able to just do it with will power? After reading your comment (& the others) I'm not exactly sure what I need, or more or less how to get it. Thank you for your words, you're truly inspiring.
Thank you! That's great that your husband is doing that with you. I need to have another conversation with mine, he doesn't seem to get it. I'm glad I posted this question today. I'm going to figure out how to find a support group/person. I definitely need something.
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I agree, you're absolutely correct. I guess my problem is trying to find that small group or person to lean on in times of need.
Well Iāve been doing basically every other month. Right now Iām on day 22. But I was getting sick. I was down 15 lbs and I donāt have 15 to spare. Also, things just start going instantly better when I have that āokay letās do thisā mindset but I feel it now. It really was like a light switch. Iām not sure what your business is, but Iām listening to podcasts while Iām working. It could be anything uplifting, not just alcohol free. Just anything that is making me feel good in that moment and makes me whaaat to continue doing good and being better. Itās almost like drinking an energy drink when the caffeine hits you and you feel that euphoria. I started journaling too. Waking up in the morning and even if Iām not ready just getting up instantly and starting the day. This seems to be working for me because when Iām not busy I start getting in my own head and the depression hits. As of right now Iām keeping to myself a lot. All of my friends drink so Iām just really guarding my energy.
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That's great it has finally hit you. I really like the idea of listening to uplifting podcasts, not necessarily recovery podcasts, I appreciate the tip. Thank you! I wish you the best!
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Tbh and real hereā¦ I HATE NA and AA ā¦ Iāve been able maintain sobriety without it.. had 6.5 years before. Back to two weeks today but hey thatās normal too right? I am only going to go meetings to start my chip collection again because I need the visual. Idk Iām weird. ļæ¼
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I get you. 5 years sober here. The biggest help for me was and still is my addiction/trauma therapist. Not big AA person. I did go in the beginning not downing any of it but was not my thing. I continue to do my work with my therapist and have cut out all toxic people in my life. I wouldnāt have been able to do it without her guidance. It is possible but I highly recommend at least ONE qualified person you can trust.
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Not weird at all. I get that. It's tangible. Anything that helps keep you accountable is all that matters.
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Thank you Susan. 5 years, that's awesome! I'm definitely thinking therapy is the way I need to go.
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EXACTLY! Thatās the important part 
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Lauren, sorry so late for this reply. After countless meetings I simply found that I just didnāt like the way that each meeting consisted of the same conversations focused on past drinking experiences. I really had a hard time constantly rehashing all of the same material over and over again. Donāt get me wrong, I think AA is a wonderful program and it does work for many people, just not with me. I believe support is whatever you find in your circle that helps you cope. I didnāt/ donāt have many people in my life that can relate to addiction, so for me I suppose my support is the times that I come here to read about what it is like being back in that awful cycle of being drunk, feeling guilty, and just miserable every single day. It works for me, I also keep the steps in mind going through life, and while I might not work them, i do use them as a guide for how to live a better life. Thereās so much more to being sober than just reliving the miserable days over and over in oneās mind. I never thought I would have quit drinking that day that I did, I just took it one step at a time and just closed that door in my life without looking backā¦itās hard to describe it, I simply donāt want it in my life anymore kind of like a toxic friend that you finally give up on. Iād be happy to help you with any more thoughts on all of thisā¦remember, one minute/hour/day at a timeā¦let me know if thereās anything more I can help you with! Youāve got this!
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Iām sober 7 years without AA Thatās why I jumped on here. My issue is being social. Without the alcohol I canāt stand more than one on one interaction. I know thatās weird but I hate parties now. And groups ext. Iām happy to help or listen. You have those kids and a business. Who has time for AA?
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Hi Rick! Wow, I really appreciate that. Thank you! I get that, who wants to live in the past? Moving forward in a positive direction is more my style. Lol. I do appreciate AA. But it's not for me. My Dad got into the program 35 years ago & without a doubt it saved him. Growing up I went to many meetings when I visited him and I remember it all well. He was very involved in his club. I can see how sharing your experiences can be helpful for the speaker as well as the people in the room, so I'm not knocking it. Currently, I just don't have the time in my day to commit to that so was looking for hope that it's possible to do it correctly without having to rip up my life. & thankfully people like you are giving me that hope, so thank you! 
Congrats on 7 years! That's amazing!!
I think over the years I've become a bit of a hermit, lol. I don't mind people, I just like my husband and kids more.
& thank you! It's nice to know there's someone if needed. 
I've been feeling really good since writing this post and getting the feedback.