I can’t get more than a few months and I’m back to drinking. I could use any suggestions you have to help me stay sober. I’m feeling down and defeated and I just want this to stop. I know I can be stronger than this with the right tools. Please share what’s working for you.
Thank you
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Hey Sara, what programs have you tried? AA was a godsend for me. Once I actually worked the steps and was honest with myself… sobriety stuck. If you truly want this, it is a lifestyle change. I had to give up things. People, places… I had to throw myself into the program. Ask people for help and be completely honest. I hope you find the peace you deserve.
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I echo AA, but if not that how about a therapist who specializes in addiction? My therapist has been helpful with goals and also helping me work through triggers and relapse thoughts. It's important to have support through this change, because the triggers are inevitable. Beyond your decision to change double down on positive support to help manage this disease.
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Meetings. Get plugged in. Work steps. Only have to change one thing. Everything!
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For me I had to get involved with meetings ,iop ,sponcer, Jesus!!!! I have to stay sober from all or I'll be on all !!!! Idk what you think about celebrate recovery but it saved my life.
I also had to take suggestions from people who had been there and follow through with it honest to myself
AA saved my life literally.
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I needed to find someone who wasn’t bossy or controlling. I finally did. You can too
I know how u feel, I get a few months at a time and I relapse… just had 6 months and I relapsed 2 weeks ago , it’s frustrating
Intensive outpatient treatment has worked wonders in my life 
Create an action/distraction plan, look into rehab programs either inpatient or outpatient.
I don't do AA, Lifering, or any meetings. But, they have helped many people.
The distraction plan is stuff that you might do when you have that craving. Whether it's to call a lifeline/sponsor, attend a meeting, or something that will keep you occupied during those rough moments.
I did therapy weekly and still do for over 2 years before I finally went to AA and now I have 11 months sober. I found a beginner’s meeting and did a 90 meetings in 90 days online. I was desperate so did whatever was suggested but I also feel like I won the lottery with the meeting I chose for my first one. A really great group of people. There are meetings out there that are not so great so if you try one and are not feeling it try a different one and eventually you will find one that resonates with you. AA is nothing like what some people make it out to be. It definitely has some weird stigma’s attached to it but it’s changed my life. Therapy didn’t work for me until I started getting help with AA. Nothing like being able to talk with other alcoholics that are trying to heal and do better. Wishing you a beautiful recovery:pray:
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Also, please message if you want to go to the meeting I go to or just want to talk💗get back in that saddle and don’t give up💗
I was in similar shoes. Frequently, at around the 3 month mark, i'd get the idea that I could have a couple, responsibly, and give in....only to find myself at the liquor store before it opens a few days later. Getting a higher power involved really helped me. It helps me do things on a day by day basis.
It’s said that around the 3 month mark ish is when we start being curious if we had been sober long enough to be a normal drinker. I could stay sober for around that amount of time and eventually would go out, getting worse on every attempt. I put down my ego this last time and did extensive out patient and found AA. Three plus years now, still an active as member and live a fantastic life!!
Hi! I understand the frustration I relapsed after 3 1/2 months and that relapse lasted three painful months. What helped me get back on track was :
- being honest with myself.
- being open and honest to people that support me.
- Having faith In and talking to a higher power, whether it’s God or whatever you believe in
- Giving AA a try if you have not yet. I understand AA can be a lot because I struggle with making that commitment to the program but if it is a tool that can help you with your sobriety I 1000% recommend it.
- If you feel like going to a treatment center could help I recommend looking at your options.
This time around is my third time trying to get sober
What has really helped me every time is prayer honestly. And also having the support that I need whether it’s friends or family
Please feel free to reach out to me if you ever wanna talk !
Find a good sober friend and go hiking
or anything that is fun.
Mine was fishing and softball. Anytime I get my urge which will come at the most random of times. Weight the pros and cons hopefully by the time you are done doing that which can take anywhere between 5 seconds and 2 minutes the craving should pass.
AA saved my life. It wasn’t that I wasn’t strong, or had no willpower. I was without strength or resource concerning alcohol. Just alcohol. I learned I was powerless concerning it. That’s when it all changed for me.
Call your local A.A. group and get to a meeting.