Alcohol Recovery Without 12 Steps Community Group
This group was created to explore various recovery paths for Alcoholism. We generally chose to explore paths outside of the AA model, or ones which incorporate, but are not limited to AA. Anyone wanting to learn and explore how to become free from alcohol addiction are welcome. Our main goal is to support each other with compassion and decency, while remaining open minded...
Hi, I am new to this group. I was in Rehab last year in from
6th June 2008-6th Sept2008. Have not had a drink since. I am approaching 1 year sober on 6th June 2009. I have not attended any AA meetings though they tell me its necessary to maintain long term sobriety. I have struggled with alcoholism since I was 15 yrs old, I am 32 yrs now. I do believe that I have a disease of alcoholism and one drink will lead to disaster. I was mostly a binge drinker so have many injuries as a result of falls. Now I go to the gym regularly, practice yoga/Power yoga to relieve my stress.
Just one question- is it absolutely necessary to go to meetings and follow the 12 steps to maintain sobriety? I am into animation and web designing and really don't have time for meetings.
6th June 2008-6th Sept2008. Have not had a drink since. I am approaching 1 year sober on 6th June 2009. I have not attended any AA meetings though they tell me its necessary to maintain long term sobriety. I have struggled with alcoholism since I was 15 yrs old, I am 32 yrs now. I do believe that I have a disease of alcoholism and one drink will lead to disaster. I was mostly a binge drinker so have many injuries as a result of falls. Now I go to the gym regularly, practice yoga/Power yoga to relieve my stress.
Just one question- is it absolutely necessary to go to meetings and follow the 12 steps to maintain sobriety? I am into animation and web designing and really don't have time for meetings.
As for your question -- That depends on who you ask, I guess. I, personally, feel that AA is NOT the ONLY way to get and stay sober. You might even say we (you and I) are living proof!
I do believe you need to make other changes in your life other than to just stop pouring alcohol down your throat. My entire outlook on life has changed since I've stopped drowning myself in alcohol. I too was a big binge drinker. Would usually go from Sunday to Thursday without a drink at all -- but look out when the weekend hit!!!
I never put down AA or totally rule it out for me at some point in the future. Obviously it's done wonders for some. Everyone is different though and there are other options besides AA.
There are posts about other options -- when you have time, browse through some older posts (feel free to comment on them no matter how old they are) see if there's anything there that interests you.
Again, welcome to the group! Glad you're jumping right in!
You made a great point, one drink will lead to disaster... And I do not even want to chance anything...
Whatever you are doing is working, and keep fighting the good fight..
We are all here if you ever need anything..
Collette
Thanks to you all!
We all find a way that works for us personally and what works for one person may not work for another, we all find our own way and your way is definitely working so don't change it.
You will find lots of support and encouragement from the people here, we are all aiming for the same thing to be sober, we don't care which way it's done as long as it works and no one here will judge whatever path path you choose in fact some people will give it a try.
Welcome again Eileen