Ive been discounted by many when i tell them i haven’t been in a program of any kind, and have gone sober on my own. 74 days today. They say things like “oh youre not really sober if you havent gone through a program” 
this is exactly why i dont talk to anyone.
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This Naked Mind talks about spontaneous sobriety. It can be done.
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There's no one way to succeed. Some need programs others find other paths to sobriety. It all depends on your goal. Keep after it man you got this.
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Nothing can stop me I’m all the way up. Haters gonna hate, my will is strong, one great way to get me to do something is tell me I can’t. WATCH ME!!
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Not everybody needs a program and/or therapy. And not every program works for everybody. We’re all individual and can find paths to long term sobriety differently and that is perfectly ok. Keep strong and keep going. Whatever works for you is all that matters.
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Levi, congrats on the 74 days!
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Thank you!!
Congrats on what you achieved and you can do this on your own great but taking to other people in the same situation, you will be surprised how much support and love you will get
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You CAN do it. I believe God works through us and in us whether we know it or not. I would only hope that you always know that there is a whole community worldwide that is (mostly) willing to help and support you on your journey to sobriety. Happy trudging!
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By the way, this app is a “program” 
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Don't worry buddy. Recovery looks different for everybody. There are people out there like you who can stop solely because of their willpower. Respect, I wish I could do that. The majority of people who are trying to live clean and sober lives need to create some sort of social network in order for them to stay connected. In my case isolation always ends up causing me to relapse. I have horrible social anxiety to, so I sometimes feel overwhelmed by how much the people in my homegroup of AA expect me to be there. We have meetings everyday and if I miss one without telling my sponsor that I'm not coming they always assume something is wrong. Somedays I just don't feel like being around others and that's it.
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I completely understand this. I isolate myself the majority of times because I haaaate being around groups of people. And then they always assume I’ve slid back into drunkenness. It’s simply not the case.
I found that it can become a gossip place in programs
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I’ve had a great experience working a program!
Just stay your path for YOUR sobriety. There’s many ways to get and stay sober. Many different books on spiritual paths of healing too.
My way is AA and the 12 steps - yet bill himself said that he didn’t make this stuff up, he got it from spiritual sources/books/teachings - he simplified it- I’ve read very similar things as AA big book in many other books/places. Yoga Sutras Of Pantanjali(not sure if I spelled it correctly) was one book that has everything it says in the Big Book.
I had someone in AA tell me I wasn’t sober because I said that I was fearful about something or another (just remember who is telling you this - another sick and suffering individual) - I don’t remember what I was even fearful about - our feeling don’t go away - actually being fearful of putting my hand in a fire or on a hot stove, or walking into traffic is a healthy fear.
My irrational fears have lessened in time. Yet can come back at times - I never say I’m healed/cured and I don’t use the past tense when talking about the steps. They are ongoing and evolving like everything else in life and learning. It gets a deeper meaning and more clearer understanding as I stay sober and stay on a healthy lifestyle and being kind and honest and respectful and responsible and having SELF AWARENESS, acknowledging and accountability, etc etc etc.
Stay positive.
Stay strong.
Stay Focused.
Stay Healthy.
Stay SOBER!
Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
It’s nobody’s business - I’ve been told by someone who has “sobriety” that even your sobriety date is yours and for you to acknowledge and respect - it’s not for anyone else but you.
I can go on and on.
Yet I’ve said enough - my experience and my strength is how I say things. I don’t say “you should or you shouldn’t”. I’ll tell you how I did it, that’s all.
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Thank you for typing that wonderful comment Micha! Words to live by!
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Nobody should be discrediting your recovery. That kind of judgment can make people feel down and even lead to relapse. What I think they might mean is that when we get sober, it helps to build a strong foundation, something sturdy to lean on when temptation comes. For some, that’s education. For others, it’s therapy or simply playing the tape forward. Whatever method you’re using to handle your recovery, it’s your path, and it’s valid. I’m proud of you for doing what works for you. Keep going!
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Thank you!
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I was clean for two years after stopping cold turkey and fell back into the trap. It's possible, though I will say having support helps a ton.
I was never into the whole 'scripture' thing - and really still not SUPER into it - so I get what you're saying and I understand. Don't let anyone get in the way of what you believe is right for you and, just because something worked for them, doesn't mean it will work for you in the same way. Also, don't let those people steer you away from talking to others because we aren't all stuck in the 12 step mindset! Everyone's journey is different. Props to you for staying away from temptation. For lack of better terms, F*** those who doubted you. I'm proud of you!
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Thank you much. I was also sober for two years 2015-2016, before slipping back into the grips of alcohol until 75 days ago when I finally decided for myself that it was time to put the alcohol down and sober up again. I’m also not into the whole scripture thing. I have a strong will, and the stubbornness of a jackass, so if someone tells me I won’t stay sober, that’s a great way to get me to do it just to prove them wrong.
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