Can you get sober without AA?
instant
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 5,711
I'm sober on my own for 14 months with SR. I am happy with my progress, I am by no means doing it tough. I think AA is a good program, but from what I have heard you might have to find a group that works for you.
non-drinker
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 13,841
I'm a little over 3 years happily sober with no "program", other than support from family and friends and SR. Lots of options out there nowadays. I hope you find one that works for you.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 64
Originally Posted by Pink08 
I don't know anything from personal experience as today is my first day on the board but most people have told me that you need some kind of help or support for it to really work.
I met a woman today that said she tried to quit for 20 years ALONE and could not, she goes to AA and said she has been 2 years sober.
I went to a meeting last night that made me think I would never go to a meeting again. I didn't fit in at all. But today, as I struggled reading about alcoholism and reading everyone's stories I decided to go to one which is less than a mile from my place and I really liked it to the point, I may go back again tonight.
Good luck... I don't know much but that maybe it will not be AA for you or even for me but most people need some kind of support for long term success. I thought I could do it alone too.
I met a woman today that said she tried to quit for 20 years ALONE and could not, she goes to AA and said she has been 2 years sober.
I went to a meeting last night that made me think I would never go to a meeting again. I didn't fit in at all. But today, as I struggled reading about alcoholism and reading everyone's stories I decided to go to one which is less than a mile from my place and I really liked it to the point, I may go back again tonight.
Good luck... I don't know much but that maybe it will not be AA for you or even for me but most people need some kind of support for long term success. I thought I could do it alone too.
Grateful to be free
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,680
I think whether or not an individual can get sober or stay sober without AA or any other method is really, well, individual.
SR has been my number one resource to push to towards getting sober and maintaining sobriety and recovery.
Early in I attended NA meetings, and the fellowship and program helped me on my way. But I have not attended meetings for over two years, and have added many other tools and resources to my recovery that I have felt 'fit' me better.
But I do think it is in an addicts best interest to investigate a number of resources to familiarize themselves with what is available.
I guess you can say I've diversified my recovery portfolio!
I have found myself sometimes burning out, bottoming out or stalling with various parts of my program, having other styles of supports and ideas to turn to has helped me with this. I don't feel like "now what"? when I get stuck, or tired.
SR has been my number one resource to push to towards getting sober and maintaining sobriety and recovery.
Early in I attended NA meetings, and the fellowship and program helped me on my way. But I have not attended meetings for over two years, and have added many other tools and resources to my recovery that I have felt 'fit' me better.
But I do think it is in an addicts best interest to investigate a number of resources to familiarize themselves with what is available.
I guess you can say I've diversified my recovery portfolio!
I have found myself sometimes burning out, bottoming out or stalling with various parts of my program, having other styles of supports and ideas to turn to has helped me with this. I don't feel like "now what"? when I get stuck, or tired.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 583
Um.. Just because you are sober doesn't mean you are actually 'living' a life. AA is a way. IMO a spiritual journey. Why people a pose AA... My best guess FEAR. Fear of change, Fear of reality of looking into the mirror and being honest. Fear of not living in ones fake self we so hard to show.
So yes. Possible for sure. AA isn't the only way to live but my real question is WHY are you so fearful of going?
So yes. Possible for sure. AA isn't the only way to live but my real question is WHY are you so fearful of going?
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 6,262
I couldn't have gotten sober alone, I needed the support of other alcoholics to get through early sobriety (the first year). I hope you find the best path for you ... indeed, people do get sober without AA.
Hexipuff
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Kent UK
Posts: 375
I do understand your dilemma with AA especially in the UK. I have friends and
acquaintances over there and have heard a lot about AA over there compared
to AA here,
acquaintances over there and have heard a lot about AA over there compared
to AA here,
Having said that and as has been said there are different programmes out there, take a look at all those that have been suggested.
Be proud of your achievement so far - CONGRATULATIONS
Last edited by Hexipuff; 07-31-2012 at 11:52 AM. Reason: spelling
Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: northern michigan. not the U.P.
Posts: 15,281
Originally Posted by Live2Run25
I've been sober for two months on Wednesday. I do not go to AA, and I doubt I ever will. This board and AVRT (which does not require meetings) has worked very well for me. AA is not the only thing out there. Do what works for you.
kiddo
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: South Australia
Posts: 157
I stayed sober for 3 months without AA, but I wasn't recovering.
Basically I felt terrible the entire time, but people can do it if they set their mind to it. It's definitely harder, but it's doable.
Basically I felt terrible the entire time, but people can do it if they set their mind to it. It's definitely harder, but it's doable.
Professional Alcoholic
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 67
AA didn't do anything for me but it sure works for some. I would wonder can someone's mind be bent a little because of the AA teachings. Sorta like the previous post. The only way to quit drinking is to quit drinking...Wah la...end of problem
Baby Girl D
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: x..Manchester, England..x
Posts: 592
Originally Posted by Bazerington
Hi everyone, the question is in the title. I have had several people say to me that you can't get or stay sober without AA. Today is my 98th day, and I must admit it's been really tough. I can't see much of a future, but I had a pretty tough time in AA several years ago and have never wanted to go back. Guess I'm just wondering what to do, as it is hard doing this on my own. Any ideas or feedback would be great
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
Hmmm...
A few things occur to me when I share here....
first....it's not about AA vs XY or Z....there is no one wrong
way to find a sober future...
AA is not nor has it ever run a membership drive.
Court ordered people can easily not go by doing jail time or
faking AA attandance as the only record is how many were
at a meeting.....not who or why.
And to my fellow AA members...please remember ..
.
Love and tolerance is our code.
The AA program I follow needs no defense.
Our actions speak for how we live IMO
A few things occur to me when I share here....
first....it's not about AA vs XY or Z....there is no one wrong
way to find a sober future...
AA is not nor has it ever run a membership drive.
Court ordered people can easily not go by doing jail time or
faking AA attandance as the only record is how many were
at a meeting.....not who or why.
And to my fellow AA members...please remember ..
.Love and tolerance is our code.
The AA program I follow needs no defense.
Our actions speak for how we live IMO
Member of SMART Recovery
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,722
Originally Posted by Emma18
I stayed sober for 3 months without AA, but I wasn't recovering.
Basically I felt terrible the entire time, but people can do it if they set their mind to it. It's definitely harder, but it's doable.
Basically I felt terrible the entire time, but people can do it if they set their mind to it. It's definitely harder, but it's doable.
The point is to find a program, approach, philosophy or path that works for YOU.
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