I don't care what works , or how you do it. if standing on your head and saying the alphabet backwards works. Great

I will say that whenever I stopped quitting drinking and started getting sober a light bulb went off

How long is a long long time?

DeliAnnem That is my philosophy. I don't hang around with alcoholics or recovered alcoholics.

Kinda sorta. I found parts of AA helped, some things were neutral, others did not ring true, and some things were damaging. Eventually, it was time to leave and seek out other avenues to improve my life without basing my identity on being a recovering alcoholic.

AA works very well for some, others to varying degrees, and still others not at all. AA is one of many equally valid ways for an individual to deal with addictive, harmful, and damaging drinking.

For lack of a better term it boils down to temperament and the life experiences/situation of the individual as to what works best, IMO.

I did not know that this support group was for those who don't use AA....

I do know that the program has worked for others. In my humble opinion it is not about slogans- there is work involved. And, it works for me.

Bottom line- one should explore whatever options work for them. We do share alcoholism in common and that connects us.

I wish you peace.

There are many alcohol specific support groups alternatives to AA. Women for Sobriety, SMART, and Secular Organizations for Sobriety. Each takes a different approach and has its strong points. AA was good for me as a socially safe place to go in the beginning and some practical tools were taught there, but the over reliance on spirituality as the solution became increasingly incoherent...

This forum isn't for non-AA; just this thread.

Hey Fuzzy.If this isn't about AA.Why even mention AA?
The one's who don't want to hear about AA mention it the most.
Do you feel a need to compare?

Reply to #15

Entering sobriety --

The first days and weeks were all about dealing with constant cravings and disorientation. Sometimes the desire to drink was so bad it felt like I had been smacked with a two by four -- NEED TO DRINK. My brains was foggy, my emotions all over the place -- from angry to joyful and everything in between, sometimes all at once.

I gave myself a lot of leeway in those weeks. I was totally focused on not drinking and everything else went on the back burner. Some of the practical things I did to make it through this:
-- Drinking lots of water
-- Getting out of the house or finding an activity for the evening hours when I most wanted to drink
-- Light exercise -- long walks that helped my body heal and my head clear
-- Sleep. I was very tired and needed catnaps.
-- Good food and dessert after dinner
-- Reading -- "Easy Way to Stop Drinking" the most important and useful book for me

Adjusting how I live --

After a few weeks and months it was getting a lot easier. Then I figured out how to be more comfortable around others drinking. I worked to understand my drinking habits and replaced them with healthier thinking/actions. I still had desire to drink and certain situations triggered those cravings so I figured out strategies to cope with them. I increased exercise and started doing more activities. I was feeling better and very happy that I had finally stopped drinking.

Transition to a "new normal" --

As time went on, I did a lot to shift how I think and feel about drinking. I don't miss drinking and I don't desire to drink. I am a non drinker and I am comfortable and happy with that.

Pardon? This forum isn't for non-AA? As I type this, there is a reminder to the right of this box, and it says, "This is a support group for Alcoholism." Nowhere when signing up for this forum does it state it is for AA. Had it been, I most likely would have passed it up.

If this forum is for AA, why is it only ONE of over 140 "treatments" people who have signed up for this have listed? There are similar "treatments", but it is but ONE listed.

Last post- I promise.

I missed OPs point. They are looking for responses to their post from others who have recovered using methods OTHER than AA.

The website is for recovering alcoholics- whatever method they use and for supporting each other.

LouisG... I mentioned AA because it is the traditional treatment, method, or whatever you want to call it. Just figured it would be nice to get to know the people in this support group who have recovered without using the traditional method, for whatever reason. I'm new here and thought it would be nice to get to know people who feel as I do. There's nothing more to it than that. Is that okay with you?

MY dad quit drinking without AA but he had occasional relapses thoughout his life. May he rest in peace!

God Bless!

How did this get so convoluted? The OP's post was very clear...

: P

Bunny pancake