How to Quit Drinking without Alcoholics Anonymous: Self-Help

Women also take responsibility for their own actions, understanding that each person is in control of their own happiness, and each woman is worthwhile and competent. The SMART Recovery program is not based on a spiritual foundation like AA; instead, it’s foundation is research-based. This means that scientific research and evidence are used to support the techniques and methods that are promoted through this model. Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or app is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice. If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified medical services provider.

• Peer support is a big part of LifeRing recovery programs, as individuals share advice with other members, and offer support and encouragement in recovery.
• If any area of your life is out of control, it will not help you maintain lasting sobriety.
• If PAWS is severe or if you’re experiencing prolonged symptoms, a medical professional can help you work through them and remain in recovery without relapse.
• It may help to pick a quit date, or a day when you choose to discontinue use of alcohol or drugs.
• Either way, if you find yourself avoiding AA because you don’t want to quit drinking completely, this is a good solution to look into—and there are many ways to access it.

These benefits not only ease the discomfort of the detox process, but also help to prevent relapse during this stage of treatment. Detox occurs when the body goes through the process of eliminating substances from itself. Individuals who experience withdrawal symptoms have become dependant on the substance. This means that the brain and body have become so accustomed to having the substance present that without it, they can’t function properly.

How to Stay Sober

SMART Recovery is a science-based program that emphasizes self-empowerment and self-reliance. If not, there are plenty of alternative tools and methods you could try. Welcome to my corner of the internet where I share sobriety tips that make staying Sober FUN, not boring! I’m a sobriety coach, podcast host, and soon-to-be-published author.

Ria Health has already supported thousands of people to lasting recovery—without having to attend AA meetings. Regular exercise is an excellent alternative therapy method that provides both physical benefits and stress-relief effects. Engaging in physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins – chemicals in your brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Furthermore, regular exercise can help to reduce cravings for alcohol which are often driven by stress or negative emotions, thus improving mental health. The article provides tips on dealing with relapses in the journey towards sobriety, including recognizing potential triggers and developing strategies to manage them.

Change your social scene

Topamax is an anticonvulsant drug traditionally used to prevent seizures and migraine headaches. Neurofeedback allows you to see your own brain waves on a computer screen, in real-time, and thus learn to alter certain brain rhythms through continuous feedback. It’s traditionally been used for sufferers of PTSD, though in recent years it’s been incorporated into a few rehab centers and a growing https://ecosoberhouse.com/ number of psychological clinics. Neurofeedback is still relatively new and the research on its effects are mixed, although accumulating evidence supports its effectiveness in conditions like insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Ibogaine is a psychedelic substance that’s illegal in the U.S., though in other countries it’s used to treat addiction to opiates, alcohol, and other drugs.

Workit Health providers can and do prescribe medication (as appropriate) as part of treatment for alcohol use disorder. If none of these options sound good to you, you can build the recovery community you feel is lacking in the world. Start a group in your can you stay sober without aa area or on a social networking site like Facebook, and watch it grow. 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.

Identifying and Dealing with Co-existing Mental Health Issues

Such symptoms are often related to mood and may include irritability, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and fatigue. This article discusses what sobriety means and describes strategies that can support your long-term recovery. It also covers tips on how to deal with the challenges you’ll face on your journey to sobriety. Many people who recognize that they have a drinking problem aren’t aware that there are alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous. This article, for example, outlines the CORE process, which stands for Commit, Objectify, Respond, Enjoy. By employing these simple techniques, you can beat the bottle quietly — and for free — in the dignity of your own home.

Do not allow COVID-19 to stop you from seeking the care you need. We are here to answer your questions and alleviate any concerns. By Michelle Pugle

Michelle Pugle, MA, MHFA is a freelance health writer as seen in Healthline, Health, Everyday Health, Psych Central, and Verywell.