One of the reasons why people seek alternatives to AA is that it may not align with their beliefs or values. Some individuals may feel uncomfortable with the religious or spiritual aspects of AA, while others may prefer a more secular approach. To find Meetup Top 5 Advantages of Staying in a Sober Living House Groups, search online, ask friends and family, or contact local organizations. By participating in these groups, you can make meaningful connections, gain insights from others, and enjoy a secure and encouraging atmosphere to share your recovery journey.

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Oar Health offers science-backed, effective treatment for people ready to change their relationship with alcohol. Our licensed clinicians can prescribe Food and Drug Administration-approved naltrexone for AUD. We provide an online assessment, medical review, and personalized treatment plan. The good news is there are many other paths to help you moderate or manage your alcohol use, or to achieve full sobriety. Let’s explore some of the available alternatives to AA and 12-step programs.

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)

For some, the structured nature of AA may not feel like the right fit for their personal recovery journey. “Acamprosate, marketed under the brand name Campral, is an orally administered drug available by prescription in the U.S. and throughout much of the world for treating alcohol dependence. It targets neurotransmitters involved in alcohol dependence, such as glutamate and GABA, providing support for a successful recovery journey. Practicing mindfulness and meditation https://minnesotadigest.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ techniques can be incredibly beneficial in reducing stress, increasing self-awareness, and strengthening emotional resilience. By incorporating practices like deep breathing exercises, guided meditation, and yoga into your daily routine, you can enhance your mental well-being, better manage cravings, and maintain a balanced life. Adopting new habits and activities that promote physical and mental well-being is essential for reducing the risk of relapse.

• I love a strongly-worded self-belief post as much as anyone else.
• The therapy sessions and lectures were well thought out and helped me understand.
• If you do not have internet access at home, it is free in many places, including libraries.
• Recognizing and managing potential triggers can help you stay on the path to lasting sobriety.
• Practicing mindfulness and meditation techniques can be incredibly beneficial in reducing stress, increasing self-awareness, and strengthening emotional resilience.
• The program’s philosophy emphasizes positivity, practicality, and staying focused on the present.

Alcoholics Anonymous works for some people. A new study suggests the alternatives do too.

• Suck kind of valuable resources is designed to provide courage throughout your sobriety journey.
• The personalized approach of professional help ensures that you receive tailored assistance on the path to sobriety.
• The people who cannot understand your moments of pride in sobriety aren’t the ones you need around you anyways.
• If you prefer not to attend AA, look for other ways to access this kind of community—whether that’s through other groups, a supportive social circle, or through a recovery coach or counselor.

In addition to connecting with others in recovery, Sober Grid offers a digital library of mental health resources, peer support coaching, and digital therapeutics. While the app offers valuable support and connections, it’s important to remember that it should not be considered a substitute for professional help and counseling. Sober Grid is a social networking app that connects individuals in recovery, providing a supportive community for staying sober.

LifeRing Recovery

This way, you’ll become increasingly adept at navigating obstacles encountered along the road toward long-term sobriety. Healthline provides some useful tips on recognizing and managing addiction triggers. The pathway to sobriety can be a rollercoaster, and slips are not unheard of. But don’t beat yourself up – experiencing a relapse doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Instead, it indicates areas that require more focus in your recovery process.

And for those who don’t want to quit completely (as AA requires), harm-reduction and moderation-based approaches might be a good fit. Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance use disorder, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery. But I would rather this happen than return to the life I was living prior to sobriety. Before I got sober, my physical and mental health were questionable. All I wanted to do was be wasted, and I was putting myself in dangerous situations when I drank.

Its program is based on the principles of Sobriety, personal responsibility, and self-improvement. SOS also offers face-to-face and online meetings, as well as a forum where members can connect and support each other. Another advantage of staying sober without AA is the opportunity to build a support system outside of the program. While AA meetings can provide a sense of community, it is possible to find support in other ways.

• Online resources, such as podcasts and blogs, can also provide support and inspiration.
• SOS hosts both online and physical face-to-face meetings to help people overcoming any form of addiction, from behavioral addictions to drug and alcohol addictions.
• The good news is that the research suggests the spiritual aspect doesn’t fully explain why the 12 steps are effective for some people.
• Matt Hunt is a documentary photographer connecting with people, sharing moments, and telling stories in Southeast Asia.
• I assure you that if you surround yourself with other sober people, they will understand why you feel proud of what you’ve accomplished and (usually) celebrate with you.
• There are also many online support groups full of friendly strangers ready to cheer you on, answer your questions, and support you without judgment.

According to AA, about 26% of individuals maintain sobriety for over a year within the program. Connecting with others who are also on the path towards sobriety offers unique benefits. Research shows that peer-led mutual aid groups like SMART Recovery or LifeRing Secular Recovery have been successful in helping individuals maintain long-term sobriety. Researchers stated that mindfulness techniques for addiction usually target addictive behaviors like cravings, and teach you how to apply these techniques in everyday life. It can even reduce pain, anxiety, and alcohol cravings, according to a 2018 review of mindfulness research as it relates to AUD (8).