I’ll sometimes find myself wishing I had a wine glass, too. The yucky way alcohol makes me feel is reason enough not to drink. I avoid refined sugar and processed foods because of how crummy my body feels after eating them — why should alcohol be any different?
- Ultimately, finding some kind of support group or coaching program can make it much easier, and much less stressful, to stay sober long-term.
- Exercise can help to reduce your urge to drink because it improves your mood and reduces anxiety.
- Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance use disorder, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions.
- Acknowledging and celebrating the hard work of recovery is helpful for keeping you motivated and reminding you why you took this brave step toward sobriety in the first place.
- Although it can’t help with medical detox, practically every other aspect of a well-rounded rehab program can be done through your phone.
Look at sobriety in stages, from detox to addiction treatment to sober living to everyday life. What most people don’t know is that there are a lot of alternatives to AA. If you have a drug or alcohol problem but don’t want to go to AA, keep reading. There are still plenty https://ecosoberhouse.com/ of ways to get the treatment you need and start the healthy lifestyle you deserve. The group works on developing techniques to enhance this version of self instead of the addict self who has previously been in control of all decisions and led to destruction in life.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
•Refuge Recovery is a mindfulness-based addiction recovery community that practices and utilizes Buddhist philosophy as the foundation of the recovery process. Stability is something that both support groups and formal drug treatment strongly encourage their members to establish by creating a routine. The addicted brain has been significantly overworked and overstimulated.
Others choose to paint their homes with influential quotes. Exercising on a regular basis is a good alternative for AA. Physical training is known to stimulate essential elements such as endorphins.
How to Stay Sober Without AA
You can also try talking to a therapist or a trusted friend about your emotions. Remember, it’s okay to feel your emotions, but it’s important to find healthy ways to cope with them. When you feel the urge to drink, try to distract yourself with something you enjoy doing.
Celebrities who have talked about their sobriety: Ben Affleck, more – Insider
Celebrities who have talked about their sobriety: Ben Affleck, more.
Posted: Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
If you want to know how to stay sober without aa after a non-12 step rehab, keep reading. One common mistake for those who are new to alcohol and drug recovery is substituting a new compulsive behavior for their old one. People new to recovery can find themselves approaching their new diet, exercise program, job, and even participation in support groups with a compulsion that echoes addiction.
SMART Recovery
Usually there’s a lemon wedge and some hint of Tabasco — and yes, there’s usually at least a little booze. There is no shame or guilt in asking for help or more information. Sober life offers you a chance to focus on fulfilling and meaningful pursuits.
Once people decide to stop drinking, they may choose to attend AA. But, if people do not want to participate in AA or similar groups, they may look for other types of assistance. Many people choose to write in journals because writing helps them deal with their stress and fears.
Seeing a mental health professional can be a great asset, especially if you are diagnosed with a mental illness (or suspect that you might be). They can help to identify how mental illness played into excessive consumption of alcohol and provide specific methods for overcoming those challenges. Whether your definition of staying sober includes harm reduction or strict abstinence from alcohol use, you may need numerous supports, tools, and resources to achieve this long-term goal. It may help to pick a quit date, or a day when you choose to discontinue use of alcohol or drugs.
For example, you might complete a sober living program yet do not feel prepared to get back in the real world. Think of detox as your way of getting to the treatment center. Following that, you get back in the real world, where your life of sobriety is just beginning.