Irish Virus

Just in case I decide to drink socially again, or believe that the snake oil salesman of the month can cure my alcoholism with a pill, how many groups besides AA offer treatment for free?

That's what's pretty cool about AA in my opinion. It's kind of like a church. You contribute what you can when they pass around the the basket. They are a self supporting group who welcomes any and all newcomers. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop drinking.

Maybe I'm just a cynical person, but there seems to be a hell of a racket out there for addictions. I came across one lady yesterday selling her inspiration tapes for $$$ and for like $700 you can speak to her for an hour.

How many groups or individuals do this for free like Dr. Bob, Bill W. and the countless other drunks who entered the fellowship?

I would reckon it stands at about 0. But I'm curious if I can get help for free elsewhere. Thanks

equus

I suppose it depends what's available where you live. We went to an alcohol advisory service that was free. They get some funding from the government and some from NHS trusts but the rest they fundraise for. We had the most incredible counsellor with excellent work experience, qualified and (GET THIS) working as a volunteer while doing post grad studies.

It wasn't a group though - but very good.

doorknob

LifeRing, SOS, and SMART are all free. But they aren't as widely available as AA. Of course, they haven't been around as long either, but they are growing. Oh yeah, NA is free too!

DK

Don S

All of the non-profit ones:

Here's a web site comparing recovery groups: http://www.rrci.net/recovery_spectrum.htm

SMART Recovery: http://smartrecovery.org/
SMART Recovery forum: http://smartrecovery.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x

LifeRing: http://www.unhooked.com/index.htm

SOS: http://www.secularsobriety.org/

Women for Sobriety: http://www.womenforsobriety.org/

Rational Recovery: http://www.rational.org/
(for profit, but the basic program is outlined on the web site)