How to Stop Drinking Alcohol: Making a Plan That Works for You

how to stay sober without aa

Known for its SALT (Sea and Land Taste) culinary program, luxury line Silversea Cruises puts as much attention into what passengers drink as to what they eat. Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva feature the most extensive nonalcoholic beverage menus. However, ships with a Vibe Beach Club also have nonalcoholic beverage options. Vibe Beach Club is an exclusive adults-only sundeck on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. Zero-free options include the Espresso Notini, made with a nonalcoholic amaretto liqueur, and the Smoky Water, created with a nonalcoholic red vermouth.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Many 12-step programs suggest that sobriety means total abstinence, which means never using the substance again. Other definitions, however, focus on the process of recovery and coping habits that support health and wellness over the long term. Finding the right alcohol addiction management and recovery support system for you starts with getting information.

  • On New Year’s Eve, after I took that shot, I felt, well—shot.
  • However, as I awakened and gained a sense of sanity, some uncomfortable feelings bubbled to the surface.
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  • As you begin to notice those health benefits, you’ll likely feel more energized and inspired to keep up your progress.
  • WFS’ New Life Program includes “13 Acceptance Statements,” which should be practiced throughout each day.
  • Your heart rate slows, your muscles relax, and stress hormones decrease.

How to Quit Drinking Without Going to AA

  • Do you know that a certain group of friends will tempt you to drink?
  • Instead, that night, I suffered through it until I felt completely sober again.
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  • Whatever it is, new activities can lead to new friends with interests like yours.
  • If you experience these situations, there are other ways to stay sober without AA.

Moderation Management (MM) is very different than many other recovery and support groups in that it doesn’t require complete abstinence to be a member. 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. One of the heroin addiction most popular forms of alcohol addiction management and recovery support is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a 12-Step program. AA is a peer recovery and self-help program that is spiritual in nature and calls on its members to turn their lives over to a higher power. This concept of spirituality in healing may not work for everyone.

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how to stay sober without aa

The journey may be challenging, but with the right support and structure, recovery is achievable. Understanding the impact of substance use extends beyond personal experiences; it encompasses health, relationships, and overall well-being. It’s important to grasp how addiction not only harms individual lives but also affects loved ones. A clear recognition of these consequences serves as a powerful incentive to break free from substance dependency. Another clue that can be an indication of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol is if you make “rules” around drinking. Or perhaps you are already sober but need a few pointers to help you stay on the wagon.

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Or maybe you’re just looking to improve your health, wake up hangover-free and give your liver (and your heart and brain) a break. Exploring, in writing, what you find difficult and when you most want to drink can help you notice patterns that offer more insight into your alcohol use. Comparing the emotions that come up when you have a drink with the feelings you experience when abstaining also helps you recognize when drinking doesn’t fix the problems you’re trying to manage. You may not need to completely reinvent your life to quit drinking, but making a few changes in your surroundings to help avoid alcohol triggers can make a big difference. Talk with a doctor to learn more about the safest ways to quit drinking alcohol.

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. Whether or not you are interested in a spiritual program, finding something to live for (other than booze) can motivate your recovery. Whether this is some sort of spiritual program, giving back to your community, getting involved in recovery activism, is all up to you. Workit Health providers can and do prescribe medication (as appropriate) as part of treatment for alcohol use disorder.

how to stay sober without aa

If you’re having difficulty sticking to your goal or just want some extra guidance, consider reaching out for professional support. Consider writing them down and keeping notes on hand, so you have a physical reminder to look at when you need it to help motivate you to stay the course. For some people, it can be helpful to wear something like a how to stay sober without aa bracelet to always have a reminder on hand when you need it. Maybe you’ve never been interested in logging your innermost thoughts, but journaling can be a great tool to track your feelings as you work on quitting alcohol. Satisfying hobbies can distract you from wanting to drink, but they also help you relax — something everyone needs to do. Feeling at your best physically can boost resilience and emotional strength, equipping you to weather challenges that trigger the desire to drink.

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how to stay sober without aa

Turner notes the importance of bringing along a trusted support person when attending events that involve alcohol. It’s often easier to turn down https://ecosoberhouse.com/ a drink when you don’t have to do it alone. Becoming more aware of your alcohol triggers and reasons for drinking can help you plan ways to help manage the urge to drink. Knowing why you drink is essential, says Cyndi Turner, LCSW, LSATP, MAC, a Virginia therapist specializing in addiction treatment and alcohol moderation. Even if the achievement doesn’t seem overly significant by someone else’s standards, it’s important to recognize it and celebrate it. Your progress is personal, and reinforcing your positive behavior can help you stay strong as you recover.

how to stay sober without aa

But if you’re living with alcohol use disorder, drinking is more than a habit. People with alcohol use disorder can’t stop drinking even when it causes problems, like emotional distress or physical harm to themselves or others. Whether you’re sober curious, know for sure you’re ready to quit, or fall somewhere in between, Dr. Streem shares advice for how to stop drinking. If you’re living with alcohol use disorder (also known as alcoholism), you’ll likely benefit from additional medical interventions. When anyone is learning how to overcome an alcohol addiction, it can be incredibly beneficial to seek professional help along the way. While it’s possible to quit drinking on your own, these experts have access to specialized tools, knowledge, and expertise to support you on the journey.