In fact, your journey to sobriety will likely involve strengthening some relationships and purging others. You may find yourself leaning on your trusted support system a lot and breaking ties with those who do not aid you in your recovery. In the absence of alcohol, developing healthy coping mechanisms is essential for effectively managing stress and emotions. Practice deep https://ecosoberhouse.com/ breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or journaling to express your feelings and thoughts. Regular exercise releases endorphins, serving as a natural mood booster and providing a healthier outlet for emotional release. Explore various coping strategies to find what works best for you, enabling you to handle life’s challenges better and promoting long-term sobriety.
Why Is Medication for AUD Underutilized?
Many people have found success with SMART’s alternatives to AA meetings. AA If you like the accountability and community of regular meetings, SMART Recovery may be a good option for you. Recovery from alcohol or drug addiction is a personal journey, and no two people’s paths will look similar.
Find support in a different group
- Their process of getting sober will depend on numerous factors, including the severity of drug or alcohol use disorder and long-term goals of sobriety.
- Another draw of AA for many is that it can put the meaning back in life, helping you find a power greater than yourself, and getting you involved in service with others in your community who need help.
- If this perspective is a reason you want to stop drinking without AA, these won’t be suitable.
- Set a reminder once or twice a day to look through your list and share it with a supportive person in your life if you feel comfortable.
It can seem intimidating to look at the end goal and know the many steps it will take to get sober. No one can wave a magic wand and make you or someone you love sober. Sobriety is a lifelong journey filled with challenges and obstacles but also incredible rewards. Self-directed recovery enables you to design a plan of recovery that takes account of your individual needs and goals.
Choosing the Best Approach For You
Plus, the endorphins released while exercising help with mental wellness and even has been shown to reduce cravings experienced during late detox and early recovery. Your recovery journey is yours for a reason – no one else can do getting sober without aa it for you, and no one else can tell you where or when you should be on that recovery path. If you are taking the process one day at a time and are doing the best you can with the tools you have, there is nothing to be ashamed of.
- The people who cannot understand your moments of pride in sobriety aren’t the ones you need around you anyways.
- People in recovery generally agree that abstinence is necessary but remains just a starting point for a new, sober life.
A primary reason 12-step works for so many people (in my opinion) is it sets you up with a new social scene, full of folks just like yourself. If you choose to quit drinking without AA, it’s important to consider your current social scene and whether or not you’d like to change that. If you need sober friends and don’t do support groups, Meetup has great local activities that will allow you to get out of the bars and meet people in positive environments. Exercise can support your recovery by boosting your brain, battling the brain disorder of alcohol use disorder. Check out why person in long-term recovery and counselor, Chrissy Taylor, encourages exercise in early sobriety.
Young and Sober in AA: From Drinking to Recovery
The people who cannot understand your moments of pride in sobriety aren’t the ones you need around you anyways. I assure you that if you surround yourself with other sober people, they will understand why you feel proud of what you’ve accomplished and (usually) celebrate with you. That said, here are 4 things I have learned that are useful in getting sober from alcohol without AA.
