I’m really not finding the support they claim to provide in AA. All I hear are cliches/the same sayings. It’s like they are automated responses without true feelings in them.
2 Likes
I used to hate those little sayings like keep coming back!..Doesn't bother me anymore, cause I finally did keep coming back and found out it works if we work it.
2 Likes
Everyone is different and whatever keeps someone from picking up I’m 100% for but, with that said, I was in and out of those rooms for years, had sponsors, worked the steps, it didn’t work for me!.. don’t know if I just wasn’t done done or what? When I did decide I’d had enough I hadn’t been to a meeting in prob 2 years. What worked for me was getting a prescription for disulfiram (antibuse) I started taking that and was too afraid to drink cause I didn’t want to get sick! It’s been 14.5 months now and I haven’t had one drop. I also read a lot about the effects of alcohol on the brain and body. Try a book called “this naked mind” it’s pretty good read! I do feel that we are in control that we aren’t “powerless”
That we are the only ones that have the power to chose. You have to chose living over dying. Well I did. It works for me! Best of luck! 
6 Likes
Do you have any secular AA meetings that you can check out?
1 Like
I know AA works for a lot of people but I just don’t feel like it’s helping me.
1 Like
I can understand that. I asked specifically about secular (non religious) AA meetings though. I go to those, primarily, and find them much more helpful.
1 Like
There are other support groups out there. One is called Smart Recovery. I have not gone to any meetings yet, but if I feel like I need to that is where I would go. It is worth checking out other options. For me looking forward to my next milestone, 6 months, one year, etc… helps and not wanting to have to start over. Also remembering the blackouts, the hangovers and the self loathing I would feel after drinking too much are a huge motivation. I tried to take breaks and “keep it under control’ too many times to think that any of that would work for me. I know that I am done and I can’t go back. Best of luck! I hope you find what works for you. You got this!
I can understand how AA can seem very "canned" and repetitive. I had to shop meetings in my area and online to find the ones that I can connect to. I listen for the similarities and not the differences.
I tried everything to quit- medication, therapy, sheer will- nothing works for me except AA. It is so simple, but my complicated alcoholic brain needs that.
There are other solutions, but AA helps me be a better person and gives me a purpose in life.
Good luck to you on your journey.
2 Likes
I do get that. AA just wasn't my thing.
At four days I couldn’t get it either, but after four years those cliche statements are the truest statements anyone could have told me. AA doesn’t monopolize the market, there are other options, but doing it alone is tough. Maybe listen for someone who tells your story and gravitate toward people like that, there are all types of people in meetings but if you focus on the differences or what you are not getting (like I did initially) you will miss out on the gifts-
1 Like
What is a story to read your post I so agree it’s very clicky and that’s the last thing we need when getting help!!
1 Like
I know AA is not everyone’s path, I would suggest find and explore a few different meetings before completely making your decision. Meetings vibes are very different from meeting to meetings. I live very rural or I’d also add other recovery programs to my recovery tool box. I’m interested in smart recovery.
Yeah AA can definitely be guilty of that. Best to shop around in person as well as Zoom. Good meetings do exist.
Such a great book and i agree we are not powerless. Thanks for sharing. AA doesn’t work for everyone. It’s didn’t for me. I left every meeting I ever attended feeling much worse than when I walked in. This book made me understand what alcohol actually does to us. I’ve created my own network of support.There are tons of pages on Facebook that host meetings. Some are 12 step based and some are just for support. I highly recommend. This app has helped me countless times as well. Don’t be afraid to find what works best for YOU!
1 Like
AA didn’t work for me when deep down I didn’t really want to stop drinking. All those annoying phrases and what I thought were annoying shares at the time would drive me nuts. When I finally surrendered, all of those annoyances started to make sense. I was welcomed with open arms and love my AA groups. For me it is working. Once I got out of my own way.
1 Like
Get a sponsor study and work the steps then more will be revealed to you!