cheeto

Can people be successful quitting drinking without AA?

mfanch

Yes.

kizzy40

I am
although it's horses for courses I appreciate that .

LindaLou

Hi cheeto,

That's a good question. I'm on day 22 and my only support is this forum and my hubby. I guess it all depends on the individual.

MeetJohnDoe

Yes. Read the last chapter of Pete Hamill's "A Drinking Life" and Caroline Knapp's "Drinking a Love Story". He quit without AA, she went to AA only to die of unrelated brain cancer. Tragedy.

Jeni26

Yes, absolutely.
People with long term sobriety on this forum are following different paths.

I will say though the one thing you need above anything else is to want to do it. Really want it. Put your sobriety first and do whatever it takes to maintain it. It's a bumpy road in the beginning, but it is worth it.

Good luck to you xxx

freshstart57

Of course. There are all sorts of ideas that folks use. If you are looking for 'alternatives to 12 step programs', just google. There is a world of information about them easily available. I was surprised to learn that most people quit without any program at all.

SoberRecovery has its Secular Connections forum where alternatives to 12 step are discussed.

soberlicious

They can and they have, long before any formal programs were around.

LexieCat

I think ANYONE can quit drinking--the tricky part is staying stopped.

Many people can do it without AA. AA often works when nothing else does.

If you're avoiding AA because of stuff you've heard about it, you might be basing your decision on misconceptions about it. Not saying you necessarily need AA (I don't know you at all), but it's a shame to reject an idea before you know anything about it.

Find out the facts about whatever program you plan to follow (and a program is a very good idea--it helps keep you on track) and throw your whole self into whatever you choose.

Fandy

I am 21 months sober, no AA, no formal program.
I get support here mostly. My big help in sobriety is being grateful. Every day i find something to be thankful for, there is a gratitude section of this forum where i post and stay connected too.

mecanix

I took a peek inside the AA big book but i didn't get that far so i don't know if that discounts me .. but here i am day 519 , no wish or intention to drink again .. ever ..

M

Xune

Caroline Knapp had lung cancer, In her book, she wrote about herself smoking quite often.

'Knapp started smoking in her 20s and never stopped. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in April, and married her longtime friend Mark Morelli, a photographer, in early May, just weeks before her death.'

Caroline Knapp, 42; Wrote of Alcohol Struggle - Los Angeles Times

Delilah1

Lots of people have quit without AA. I tried a few meetings when I first decided to quit, very nice people, just wanted the right fit for me. SR has been my biggest recovery tool, along with lifestyle changes: more exercise, reading lots, journaling.

You just need to find what works for you. Good luck with your journey!

noanxtime

Yes, but at day 52, I can only speak for myself. If worshiping a shrine built for purple monkeys works to help you quit - worship away!
Just getting up in the morning not feeling like hammered sh*^ is enough for me and works.

NewHouse2012

I love to hear this feedback from all of you. I just feel encouraged that it can be done without AA.
Most people in the rooms will stress the contrary and sometimes it feels like you are destined for failure and a rule breaker, if you do not comply with a book and its lessons.
No offense to anyone-whatever works is wonderful and it has been a lifesaver and godsend to many in all due respect.

aasharon90

I began my recovery journey 22yrs ago
beginning with a 28 day rehab stay learning
about my alcoholism and recieving some
positive, useful tools of steps and principles
to live by and incorperate in my everyday
life. Before that experience in my life, I
failed so many times to stop drinking for
long periods of time by my own weak will
and not admitting or acknowledging I ever
had a drinking problem.

Finally with openmindedness, willingness
and honesty learned in an AA program of
recovery, Ive remained humble, accepting
and teachable to enjoy the rewards
and promises offered to us in sobriety. Yeah..!!!

Joe Nerv

No.






I just said that for fun. And to balance things out with post #2.

TrixMixer

Yes you can Cheeto!

I did work with an addiction counselor for the first 2 months-for guidance and
accountability. I found AA no to be for me, but have you tried it?

Lionhearted1

Yes you can, and statistically you have a better chance of staying sober if you quick on your own..

People have been quitting on Thier own for milenia...

LexieCat

Weeelll, I don't know about that.

People who don't NEED AA (and not every alcoholic necessarily does) can find other ways to stay sober. Those who cannot stay sober any other way often have initial difficulty staying sober in AA, too. Relapses are not unusual no matter what you do to quit drinking.

But accurate statistics on AA are hard to come by. From what I have seen in the rooms, most people who work the program eventually do stay sober for a substantial amount of time. Yes, relapses can happen in AA, too, even after years of sobriety.

I certainly don't believe someone is "statistically more likely to stay sober" outside of AA than in it. Moreover, not everyone who goes to AA works the program--meeting attendance is often counted when people are looking at AA "success," and that's a poor measure.