What to do with “AA isn’t for me”?

There are many ways to successfully get sober.

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Also, I guess a psychologist might question why it bothers you so much that it doesn’t work for everyone. Are you afraid you’ve wasted your time? Are you annoyed that you’re very invested in it while others are not? Deep down do you think you should be doing something else? Are you afraid you come across as annoying when you answer this statement?

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I don't know man. I guess let 'em keep relapsing. Hopefully they don't die. God willing, one day they'll have the gift of desperation and be willing to go to any length to stay sober. When/if that happens, AA's hand will be there. As it is always to anyone from any walk of life.

I have gone to celebrate recovery and it works just as good as aa

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Find a NA meeting or find a faith based 12 step program like celebrate recovery

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Nobody likes to admit that they are the problem. AA forces that home. Second, The God Word sends people running for the doors often.

Wellbriety is a great way to work the 12 steps. It’s the Native way and does not go against AA and could be a great alternative.

1 of MY BIGGEST GRIPES ABOUT AA - is the blatant misuse of "willing to go to any lengths"

Example: i wont get on my knees and pray.

Sponsor: "He wasn't willing to go to any length"

No where in the book does it say i need to get on my knees and pray, but ego maniac sponsors say - thats what i did so thats what you do.

And AA wonders why only 25% of the people that walk through their doors get 25+ years.

The problem today with AA isnt the 164...

Its what the fellowship has done with the 164 and over complicating it.

Get a sponsor
90/90
Call me every day
Read 5 pieces of literature
On your knees and pray

NONE of these suggestions are in the book, and are the 5 most frequent things heard.

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It’s worked for you. Why assume it is the ONLY way because it is the only way that worked for you?
Other options- Smart Recovery, individual therapy, Women for Sobriety. Must be more.
AA is wonderful for some people. Not the only way.

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I tell them that the only way to truly find out is by doing the 12 steps if you still feel AA isn’t for you then hey you will know how to help an alcoholic when you find one

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Everyone’s journey into sobriety is different. I started with quit lit and some coaching/therapy. Getting outdoors, moving my body and meditation. Started Refuge Recovery. Surrounded myself with amazing sober people. AA has helped so many people and I’ve attended a meeting here and there when I felt I needed one. My coping strategies don’t include AA. To me it’s a bit patriarchal and outdated, but I do not knock it if it helps you and others. The mentality that I can’t help others without AA is asinine. Not everyone is an alcoholic, that term is incredibly outdated. Alcohol is addicting in itself, and when people use it as a coping mechanism it leads down a terrible path. There are lots of people that realize that alcohol just isn’t serving them. Being open minded to many avenues will work in the long run too. :green_heart:

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I don’t agree that you have to go through the full 12 steps to see if it works for you. People who are very self aware can feel if something is right or not, it’s not the only way to success. But if it works for you or anyone that’s amazing, no judgment on anyone’s path.

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Wow my last sponsor was exactly how you mentioned he also quit awnsering his phone so I’m probably better off since he thought he started the program probably

My sponsor has me call him everyday, and also get a court slip signed at every meeting I go to. Why? Because I'm a slippery drunken drug addict who needs to learn accountability. I don't have a problem with it at all. He's a good guy, an old timer but also really accepting and open minded, he never bothers me about prayer and he comes to the Agnostic meetings with me. I'm good with it.

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Thank you guys for all your responses

Lots of input, not sure everyone read my entire post saying there are other good programs. I’m dealing with someone who wants to get sober but is unwilling to do anything about it.

I quit a multiple habit on my own. I didn’t go to a meeting for 6 months. So, yes, you can do it lots of ways. The Fellowship has helped me keep it. I did it alone, I don’t consider AA getting me sober (one of my problems with it).

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