Give AA a try.

see the last line in my post.

That's all I got. Saved my life and will do the same for you if you're willing.....

7 Popular Alternatives to AA

www.soberrecovery.com/addiction/5-popular-alternatives-to-alcoholics-anonymous-2/

I couldn't do it alone. I tried. Sounds like your dead set against AA, but I would try to find a support group of some kind. I was able to quit with help from others
That's the main trait of alcoholism. Lone wolf , isolation, and fear of asking for help. These wee all solved in my meetings. I would be dead if I didn't change my thinking.
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Curious to know why AA didn't work for you. The additional information could help us give you a better response. Wishing you continued sobriety!

I had to have an open mind and be willing to do everything it took to stay sober. When I put restrictions on a potential path to long term sobriety, I was guaranteed to relapse. I went through detox like you but I didn't get vivitol like you did. I can't remember what it was....librium or lithium or something like that. Worked great but I knew I was leaving after 4 days and would be on my own....then what? Before I left detox, the addiction doctor wanted me to go through an IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) so I did. I was treated for the underlying problems that triggered my drinking, such as depression and ptsd. After 3 weeks, my counselors felt I needed additional aftercare so I was place in group counseling which was focused on relapse prevention. We each learned what our triggers were and learned how to deal with them. Throughout all the treatment I had, regular attendance at AA meetings were a requirement.

Over 9 years ago I made a decision to allow others to treat me and to teach me how to stay sober. I have a great life today and I have never been happier! Good luck in finding a path that works for you.

God Bless

i can not get past the religious aspect of AA, or "spiritual" as many claim. the fact that people consider AA to be the only answer is a major red flag for me. that's the same as people claiming that x-religion is the only way. when i was in rehab i kept thinking, if it's in God's hands, why even have a detox unit?

there has got to be another way. im not looking for arguments or for radicals to try and convert me to the light, just for other options. thank you guys!

I'm not sure whereabouts in the world you are but I rang a drinkaware helpline here in the U.K. who put me In touch with a local agency who offer a sponsor who is a qualified counsellor. I see them regularly on a one to one basis. The agency also offers group counselling to those who wish to indulge and also individual CBT etc
Additional support programmes such as AA is encouraged but there are many alternatives to AA which I would recommend you research.
Sharing stories with like people is a fabulous therapy in itself and one where the best of peoples experiences can be learned from x
Good luck x

Thanks for the additional info. If the higher power aspect is a roadblock for you, there are local and national secular atheist and agnostic AA groups that can be found on FaceBook. I'm buddhist and my local AA groups in the college town I live in are cool with it. I find the teachings of Buddha, the dharma, to be my higher power or higher wisdom in life, and guide to a mindful life. I tried abstinence alone, and that didn't work out for me and relapsed after 10 1/2 months. Getting to the root cause of my addiction by working the steps was my answer and a more sustainable approach for my sobriety. I'd suggest you find some program that offers the recovery aspect, not just abstinence, which most do. In addition to AA, I go to Refuge Recovery meetings, which are specifically for Buddhist and enjoy that community as well. As other have noted, sharing your experiences with others during recovery is most helpful in the healing process. Whatever you chose to do, wishing you much success! You already have a good start at 15 days sobriety and you're asking the right questions. Stay in touch!

With all due respect, I don't think anyone here is interested in converting you to anything other then sobriety. That being said, we can only tell you what worked for us but there are hundreds of different paths and they all take you to the same place. Good luck on your road to recovery.

God Bless

How was day 16 ?
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Hello, it's very good that you decided to put off use of hard drugs and you are on the best track possible of stopping to drink alcohol. I know how hard it is as I had a friend, high school friend who is alcoholic as well and unfortunately for him he wasn't strong enough to leave off alcohol and move on with his life. He tried a lot of AA meetings, but even when he was "so" close to achieving his goal, there was something on the road, some bullet that he just couldn't dodge, because he wasn't strong enough. I hope you will be one of those people that won't let them get fooled by stupid drugs or alcohol and you will stand up on your feet again, even though by making it to 15 days you already did a huge step forward and made an foundation on which your life may be forged again from the ashes. Good luck.

hello?

Day 18 hopefully? How's it going mfd