Been listening to a lot of the audio stories and podcasts. Almost the majority of the folks who have successfully found and maintained sobriety talk about the 12 step program. While intriguing , I’m afraid I won’t relate to the whole Religious Faith based approach. I am not religious and didn’t grow up Christian. Anyone else similar who can provide some suggestions ?
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Hi Shay, first I would like to say that there are many people who have maintained sobriety without a 12-step program, including me. Additionally, AA is not a religious program, but a spiritual program, belief in God is not a requirement, instead you just must believe in something greater than yourself. Most programs include some kind of spiritual aspect, or an understanding that there is something bigger than the self, but programs like SMART Recovery do not have any such belief. Some other programs to check out: The Luckiest Club, Tempest, SMART Recovery, Recovery Dharma, Refuge Recovery. Both Refuge and Dharma have a Buddhist approach, mindfulness and meditation play a role in many people’s recovery across programs.
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Jenn- thank you for taking the time to provide such great insight. I will certainly look into some of those modalities along with AA.
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And kudos to you for going on 3 years of sobriety.
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What Jenn said
Shay, I’m comfortable with AA, but I can understand others not so much. I live in an area where AA is the only option. Although some people are very religious there are others who are not. Give it a try and see, groups vary so try a couple. God and Christianity are not required but you will hear it.
Thanks Skot. I’m feeling inclined to. While I’m doing alright without drinking for over a week , I don’t want to white knuckle this and want to get to a place of learning how to deal with urges without isolating myself which is what I’ve been doing for the last week and a half. Thanks again
I was exactly the same. I stayed away for many years because of a resistance to religion.
What I’ve really found since I came into 12 step recovery is 2 things. First, I was more resistant to sobriety than I was to religion. I used atheism as an excuse to stay drunk.
And second, I found 12 step programs to be welcoming whatever my beliefs or lack there of.
Our addiction thrives in isolation. Connection with our fellow alcoholics was all the higher power I needed, because with them I could stay sober but without them I couldn’t.
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I needed to hear this perspective. Thank you 
I understood exactly what you meant. 
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Unfortunately outside of metro areas AA is often the only option. Thankfully my little group is a NA/AA mix and we are more laidback
Very true. And anyone with a problem with AA should go that route. Many good programs. I’m with you Kat, but I do like the in person meetings, I’m old I don’t zoom 
. Best wishes in recovery 
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Sober Faction looks really interesting, I’m curious and interested in attending a meeting. Thanks for suggesting it!
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Hi Shay - it’s an interesting mix and for me, growing up Catholic, it’s been interesting to see what the Buddhist and Hindu religions have to say about topics. Check out MJ versions of what G O D can stand for
I practice refuge which is based on Buddhism. If you want the online meetings are always open a great way to experiment and see if you like it.
The spiritual aspect of recovery isn't necessarily religious. You might give AA a try. Many find that the spiritual connection in AA is more focused on being contented in your life.
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I attend Lifering Secular Recovery groups in my area and highly recommend.
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I will def give it a try.
Where do I find this ?