hatsoff

I need to find a non-AA support group in Rockford, IL.

I'm an alcoholic--and in fact I'm tipsy right now. That's wholly unacceptable. I need to be sober, all the time. I'm sure this is obvious to readers; I'm only saying so to demonstrate my recognition thereof.

I have a serious problem, though: I can't turn to AA, because it requires beliefs which I do not hold.

I've looked into Rational Recovery, and although it's similarly dubious, it's at least something I can perhaps tolerate. Yet I need social support--and I can't find any RR support groups in my area (Rockford, IL).

Are there any non-AA support groups in my area?

Alternatively, I can treat this forum as a support group--which I will try to do, regardless.

Thanks in advance for any solutions!

jimhere

You might try looking on the internet. I'm an AA guy and I know AA has a website. It would seem that maybe RR has a site that can tell you where the groups meet.
Jim

hatsoff

I'm not sure RR even includes support groups, much less one in my area. Consider this excerpt from their website:

(I can't link documentation until I have 15 posts)

RR seems to emphasize personal responsibility--which is good, in a way, but it underestimates the power of society in compelling conformity.

jimhere

You are right. Whether it be RR, AA, church, or whatever, alcoholics seem to need other alcoholics. I'll keep my eyes and ears open and if I come with something I think might be useful to you, I'll let you know. Just because I am in AA doesn't mean that I believe that it is the only way. I'm for anything that will an alcoholic recover.
Jim

sekular

Hatsoff,

You can Google LifeRing Secular Recovery and go to their website for a meeting in your area or close by. Also, they have a huge online presence which may be helpful to talk with other likeminded individuals with similar beliefs as you.

Good luck.

hatsoff

Whoa--that's not quite what I meant. I really don't think I can benefit from--much less need--"other alcoholics." Social support can take any number of forms.

Gracias.

nolonger

Hi hatsoff and welcome.

I wouldn't dismiss it so quickly - you have a serious problem with this, and you'll need all the help you can get. "Personal responsibility" doesn't exclude getting help from others in the same boat. This site is one example of it...

Anna

This is a list of recovery programs from one of our Alcoholism Stickies:

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-programs.html

Jersey Nonny

I'm sorry you feel that way; because there are many alcoholics who turn to AA (often as a last resort) whose "beliefs" range from devout (whatever), to middle-of-the-road, to agnostic, to atheist. I hope you find a program of recovery to your liking...one that will help you to quit and stay sober. Just remember...the doors of AA will always be open to you, if you should decide to give it a try.

BTW...how many AA meetings have you attended, or are you just judging it by what you've read or word of mouth?

353

I can't turn to AA, because it requires beliefs which I do not hold.

I've been told there's only one requirement, listed in the traditions.

NoelleR

Hey Guy ---

"...I can't turn to AA, because it requires beliefs which I do not hold..."

Actually, AA doesn't 'require' anything (except, for membership, a desire to stop drinking)

As Jersey Nonny said, "...there are many alcoholics who turn to AA (often as a last resort) whose "beliefs" range from devout (whatever), to middle-of-the-road, to agnostic, to atheist..."

...and as an atheist who worked the AA Program, and is today happy, joyous, free, and content in my life....I'm here to tell you that it works....and...?...whether as an atheist or as a christian, I take total responsibility for my actions as an alcoholic/addict, I also take total credit for my sobriety.....

"...Yet I need social support...I really don't think I can benefit from--much less need--"other alcoholics." Social support can take any number of forms..."

Since non-alcoholics really don't understand what it's like to be an alcoholic, from whom do you think you're going to get the most 'n best social support? I guarantee, no matter where you find to go, AA will still be a good place to find good, sober, social time, if nothing else....


Keep on Trukin'

NoelleR
DOS: 6/23/86

warrens

PLEASE don't take this as offensive Hatsoff-it's the last thing that it is meant to be.

Howevuh...

If you really don't think you can benefit from, or need, the support, knowledge, guidance, and caring of other alcoholics, you are in the wrong store. This is a hardware store. We have tools. All different kinds. It is not quite "do it yourself", it's more "do it together."

What kind of store are you looking for?

You say you are tipsy. That's cool. And you sound smart enough to realize that being so affects your perceptions. Isn't that why we do it in the first place?

You say that AA is unacceptable to you because of "beliefs" it requires. Are you absolutely sure of that? Care to discuss it with us? Have you been to a meeting? I, for example have no religious beliefs, just a few disbeliefs. I stopped trying to prove-disprove long ago. I'm far too stupid to comprehend that stuff.

But it sure doesn't stop me from using the AA approach as a tool. I've been to scores of meetings in the past. Logistics prevent me from attending right now. I have other tools in my bag, too. A main, most valuable one is the folks in this community. I really and seriously mean that. No one will try to sell you anything here. People are here for themselves, not for me or you. You are no threat to what they believe works for them and they will not threaten you.

But as we work on ourselves, for some reason we develop great compassion and empathy for others. Funny how that happens. Wanna know why? Can't tell you. The secret is in a box. A box to which there is a combination lock. And the combination is locked inside the box. You'll find clues here, but no one person has the entire combination! In order to open the box, you have to open yourself to everyone here.

if I were tipsy, that would be a little much for me to handle. I might go grumbling and muttering away. But you did say that things are unacceptable.

Welcome, Hatsoff. The first clues to the combination are in the responses in your thread. Notice that different people have different approaches/beliefs. I think that's pretty cool. Don't you?

peace and serenity,

warrens

tay-lyn

Ok, this made me want to put in my two cents....
THE ONLY REASON I AM SOBER RIGHT NOW is because of the support I have received from 'other alcoholics'. My own determination wasn't enough. I needed support.
How on earth can anyone relate to what you're going through if they can't....well......relate! One can only 'relate' if they've BEEN THERE. Alcoholics have been there.
I for one, am super thankful for my alcoholic buddies....without them, I'd be drunk. Without them, I wouldn't be able to get through those dark days, moments when I don't know what to do. Don't know what to expect. My alkie buddies do. I benefit from them daily.

I'm grateful for all my peeps here!

Toomutch

Hatsoff, Without this wonderful supportive group of people here at SR, I would be at a loss. This is where the answers are, the truth. Why? Because we are all alcoholics wanting to be and stay sober. We are a family. I can't imagine how lost I would be without these people in this community. I have not yet been to AA, although I plan too. I hope you will be able to look at your recovery in a way in which will work for you. I'm afraid though that being tipsy, and not really wanting to do the work, you may have a difficult time.

Dee74

welcome hatsoff - hope to see you around again.

D

gutterman317

I have a good friend that got sober through the Lenair program. The Lenair Healing Center. An alternative treatment for alcoholism developed by a specialist in treating alcohol addiction and alcohol abuse. I think it's kinda pricy. I love my dollar/ hour therapy.

What are the required beliefs in AA? The only thing that I believed was meetings, the BB, and my sponsor were powers greater than myself.