Depending on the type of dependency, PAWS can last from six months to two years after you stop using drugs or alcohol. RehabAdviser.com is a tool for individuals seeking to find a Drug and/or Alcohol Rehab. We provide a list of treatment centers located within the United States that are JHACO or CARF accredited. Individuals can call the centers directly or call our Toll Free number for further assistance. Even if you choose not to do AA, that doesn’t mean you have to fight your addiction alone. A counselor can address your personal issues and hold you accountable for your addiction.
Step 3: Find the Right Treatment Program
- Another approach to quitting drinking is the process of detoxification or ‘detox.’ Under medical supervision, detox helps the body rid itself of alcohol, managing withdrawal symptoms safely and effectively.
- If it seems like some people can’t catch a break when it comes to breaking free of their addiction, according to science, many people have their genetics to blame.
- It is also common for people to project the one thing that eventually worked for them onto others as the only way to be sober.
- Depending on where you live or where the meetings are, AA groups might lean heavily toward one age, cultural background or gender.
- These may include online support groups, recovery apps, and peer support programs such as SMART Recovery and Refuge Recovery.
- With every step you take, no matter how small, you are getting closer to your goal of an alcohol-free life.
Being open and honest about sobriety also takes a measure of self-awareness, bravery, integrity, and dignity that many people will not understand unless they’ve struggled. I’ve also witnessed the fantastic potential and empowerment that often emerges by building relationships with people in recovery. Extraordinary magic comes with being in the company of people that are in the process of growing beyond what they knew they could ever be capable of. Seeking knowledge on use disorders also helps dispel misconceptions, fostering empathy and understanding towards those struggling with addiction.
- Share your decision to get sober with friends and family who genuinely care about your well-being.
- I’m 9 years sober, and I’d like to explore 8 powerful strategies I used to create fulfillment in a life of recovery.
- With a Reddit account, you can protect your privacy and stay anonymous.
- One effective way to stay sober is to develop coping mechanisms that work for you.
What is behind your drinking?
And the kindness and helpfulness of the support staff greatly enhanced the amazing quality of the experience from beginning to end. After failed attempts at sobriety by myself, group networks, and even other facilities, I found the facility, staff, and program that suited me. Then, I was even more impressed by the approach and quality of treatment. I later realized that the amenities, staff, therapists, and themes were part of a culture. One genuinely dedicated to healthy recovery and self-betterment.
Identify Your Personal Triggers
- As previously mentioned, no one treatment is effective for all people.
- Again, I think this may just be a function of being at the wrong meeting, but I didn’t know that at the time.
- Start a group in your area or on a social networking site like Facebook, and watch it grow.
- I frequented syringe service programs, not just for sterile needles, but to congregate with harm reductionists and other peers who were ex-drug users.
- If you have a drug or alcohol problem but don’t want to go to AA, keep reading.
AA’s 12-step program has played a crucial role in many individuals’ recovery journeys, yet it’s not the only path to sobriety. Each person’s journey is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The most impactful https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and beneficial aspect of Alcoholics Anonymous or a drug program is the community. 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.
- I tried to go to AA the first time I got sober, and it was not a good fit for me.
- AA isn’t explicitly religious, but it did grow out of a Christian organization called The Oxford Group.
- It’s not just your drinking buddies and drug dealers who can get you into trouble—sometimes those who are closest to you can contribute to a relapse.
- OngoingUpper West SideThe suburbs-born Granola Bar welcomes its first NYC location this week.
It will help prevent relapse once the formal treatment program ends. As described by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there is not a one-size-fits-all treatment program for addiction. Therefore, it’s important to ask questions to ensure that the program you want meets all of your needs. There are multiple factors to consider, including cost, reviews, licensing, accreditations, amenities, and treatments. Lean on close friends and family for support, even if your relationships aren’t what they used to be.
Plus, studies show that those who participate in sober living programs have lower relapse rates and better mental health and employment prospects. If you don’t have a family or strong social circle to return to post formal treatment, a personalized plan may include interpersonal therapy, which can help you build a healthy social network. This research-based technique has been shown to support sobriety.
I am not powerless over my addiction. And the concept of GOD really cannot help me.
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. To sum up, incorporating these self-help strategies alongside professional guidance enhances chances of successful rehabilitation from addiction.
In-Person Support Groups
This sense of belonging and being understood can provide the motivation and strength needed to face the challenges that come with change. While structured programs and professional help are invaluable, there’s a unique comfort in sharing your struggles and victories with those who know firsthand what getting sober without aa you’re going through. It’s important to note that detox should always be conducted under professional medical supervision due to the potential severity of withdrawal symptoms. Addiction and dependence are two sides of the same coin, impacting numerous lives and causing serious health implications.
SOS (Secular Organizations for Sobriety)
