Medications can reduce these cravings by rebalancing your brain chemistry, and even blocking some of the effects of alcohol. This can help you move forward more quickly, and makes it easier to focus on behavior change or establishing new habits. It’s a science-backed approach to treatment, and an empowering, modern way to quit drinking without AA. Dr. Umhau urges folks not to overlook prescription medications like naltrexone or acamprosate.
Do specific religious beliefs or practices play a role in addiction recovery?
Every single path to recovery, even those that require the assistance of others, is deeply personal. There is nothing wrong with being proud of yourself for what you have done and are doing now. Being open and honest about sobriety also takes a measure of self-awareness, bravery, integrity, and dignity that many people will not understand unless they’ve struggled.
What to Do If Someone You Love Is Suffering From Alcoholism
- Feel free to set up a free 60 minute Alternative Recovery Plan Strategy Call with me so that you can get clear on your vision, what’s stopping you from moving forward now and your specific next steps.
- Just be sure that your rewards don’t involve drugs or alcohol.
- The fundamental belief of Alcoholics Anonymous, which is that we shouldn’t drink alcohol 100% of the time, works.
- Not only is this much more flexible to your schedule, it’s also significantly more affordable.
Studies show that people who are alcohol dependent are two to three times as likely to suffer from major depression or anxiety over their lifetime. When addressing drinking problems, it’s important to also seek treatment for any getting sober without aa accompanying medical and mental health issues. 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.
I know what you’re thinking: Why didnt you go to NA?
Comparing yourself to others is more likely to set you behind than push you forward. The first few days and weeks of recovery are some of the most difficult between… Besides physical activities, another effective self-help strategy is journaling. Writing down thoughts and feelings serves as a therapeutic outlet during times when emotions run high. It allows you to express yourself freely without judgment, helping you gain insights into your emotional patterns related to addiction.
Groups for family and friends
Instead, MM focuses on helping people to manage problematic drinking and behaviors that are destructive, aiding in encouraging positive lifestyle changes. MM is a peer-support program that acknowledges that behaviors are changeable, and that alcohol abuse (which differs from dependence) is a habit that can be altered. HAMS is a peer-led group that provides support and information to those who want to change their drinking habits. It’s an AA alternative that involves 17 steps instead of 12, and supports moderate drinking and harm reduction in addition to full sobriety.
Alcoholism is a disease for which there is no known cure.
- These endorphins are responsible for the pleasurable, buzzed feeling you get from alcohol.
- You can become a mentor or a sponsor to those in early recovery.
- A 2002 study with 279 people compared AA or similar 12-step programs with other forms of psychosocial treatment.
- I tried to go to AA the first time I got sober, and it was not a good fit for me.