For me the solution seemed to be joining an Agnostics and Atheists group within AA (there are such, primarily in major cities), trying to benefit from the better aspects of AA while seeking the companionship and advice of others in recovery. There are such folks in AA. Try to seek them out. Try to avoid folks who tend to be dogmatic or overly aggressive in their approach. Sometimes this is not easy, particularly in smaller, primarily rural communities. In such situations websites like SR can be helpful. Perhaps it may be possible to seek out a friend on SR, someone with some success in recovery who is not self righteous or a know it all. The word "sponsor" can seem intimidating, controlling, invasive. Maybe all that is needed is somebody with whom one can walk down the path, who has been through the forest before, who knows some of the safer ways, and where the nettles and thistles lie. When I started into recovery there was no real internet. These days it can be a big asset. SR can put you in touch with people all over the world. Maybe that's the solution to world peace. Alcoholics, who have a common bond, who are not primarily concerned with power, money, career, prestige, who only want to get and remain sober, free of the mess and misery of addiction.
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