You can quit drinking without Alcoholics Anonymous by understanding your addiction and ignoring your cravings. When you first get sober, set your intention and make a clear plan so you know exactly what you’re doing. Whenever you get a craving, distract yourself by doing something you enjoy, like watching TV, learning a new hobby, or cooking a meal. Understand that it’s how to stay sober without aa only a small part of you that wants the drink and it will go away once it realizes it’s not getting what it wants.

• And others have the goal to quit drinking, but don’t find other aspects of AA to align with their values.
• These groups are good options if you are seeking a more secular approach to recovery while also desiring peer support and group sessions.
• Researchers stated that mindfulness techniques for addiction usually target addictive behaviors like cravings, and teach you how to apply these techniques in everyday life.
• These activities will not only fill your time but also help you discover new aspects of yourself.

How to Stay Sober: 9+ Answers to Find a Sober Community

There are many things you can do to stay sober and get your life back on track. I can only stay away from the first drink if I start every day with the reminder that I am powerless over alcohol. I need to keep this in my thought process before all other thoughts – especially in these early days. You possess the strength to overcome addiction, and alongside other tools and methods, Sober Sidekick will be there as your loyal sidekick, supporting you every step of the way.

A trigger relapse is a form of relapse where an individual begins engaging with drugs or alcohol again. Seeing commercials for alcohol and returning to places where drugs were commonly used in the past can all challenge a person’s sober conviction and be difficult to navigate. Even after graduating from a dedicated inpatient treatment program, an individual is still tasked with maintaining sober change. It involves strategies to address the effects of addiction, effective relapse prevention strategies, and exploring sober communities.

In-Person Support Groups

Understanding them can help you manage these challenges effectively. In today’s digital age, online courses and self-help guides have become popular tools in sobriety. They provide flexibility and accessibility, making recovery resources available at the touch of a button. This sense of belonging and being understood can provide the motivation and strength needed to face the challenges that come with change.

• A sober friend can be invaluable when you are thinking about drinking.
• Working too hard or overexerting yourself in other ways can be detrimental to your mental health.
• When we speak of alcohol addiction, we refer to a mental obsession where the desire for alcohol often consumes the drinker’s thoughts.
• These neurotransmitters send messages that help you relieve stress, lower anxiety, and relax in a healthy way.

Deepening Spiritual Connections and Practices

Lying to loved ones about what you’re doing and with whom, or feelings of shame about your problem can lead to feelings of isolation. The further you stray from who you used to be, the more you feel that you can’t relate to others (or that they can’t relate to you). Having peers who are going through or have dealt with the struggles of alcoholism provides much-needed emotional support. They can also be an invaluable source of practical advice for things like withdrawal and or even repairing relationships with estranged loved ones. People ask me how I plan to continue in recovery without AA and without practicing the 12-step program. I have been to AA, know the steps, and understand the benefit of community, but I had to find my own path in recovery without AA.

In treatment, the counselor showed my group a picture of a shot of whiskey and asked the question “Who here thinks they are powerless over this little thing? Today, I know that my problem isn’t due to being a “weak” willed human being. My mind has a mental obsession and my body has an allergic reaction. So, I obsess about drinking until I take the first one, then the drug addiction physical allergy / craving kicks in and all bets are off. That’s probably why “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol” is Step 1. During this journey, it’s essential to prioritize and care for your mental health.

I couldn’t have done any of this without Workit Health—they literally saved my life.

By employing these simple techniques, you can beat the bottle quietly — and for free — in the dignity of your own home. It can even reduce pain, anxiety, and alcohol cravings, according to a 2018 review of mindfulness research as it relates to AUD (8). To find a sober coach, search Google for local options or explore coaching databases like Bark and Noomii. When you drink alcohol, your brain releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. These endorphins are responsible for the pleasurable, buzzed feeling you get from alcohol.

Online Communities

Whether it’s the spiritual aspects, the emphasis on powerlessness, or the requirement of total abstinence, some people find themselves searching for an alternative approach to recovery. You may find that you enjoy certain aspects of AA, but also require additional recovery support from non-AA recovery treatments. There is no “one true path” to changing your relationship with drinking. Try a few different treatments and stick with what works for you. Though AA may be the most well-known solution for alcohol abuse, it is far from the only one.

At Sober Sidekick, we are dedicated to connecting you with this community, providing an anonymous and empathetic space for support and encouragement. Mental health professionals can provide evidence-based therapies and support to make your transition to an alcohol-free lifestyle smoother. Sober Sidekick can be a valuable companion in your journey toward sobriety, offering a safe, anonymous space to connect with others who understand your struggle. The unique empathy algorithm ensures you’re never alone, providing real-time support when it’s needed most.

Support groups are foundational for maintaining sobriety from drugs or alcohol, both short term and long term sobriety. Going to support groups means you have a ready-built network of sober friends who have been through similar experiences to you, and are able to offer https://ecosoberhouse.com/ you advice and emotional support. While it might be comfortable to continue old habits and stay around people you used to drink with, this is not conducive to sober living.