Are there any good alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous?
I went to enter a program or somehow get help for my alcohol addiction. I don’t really want to go to AA because I have intense anxiety about speaking in front of a lot of people and I doubt that any kind of treatment would work if I wasn’t able to share my thoughts. It also seems too much like a cult to me.
Any suggestions or success stories to an alternative?
SOS:
http://www.sossobriety.org/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/sossaveourselves/
SMART:
http://www.smartrecovery.org/
http://smartrecovery.org/SMARTBoard/
LifeRing:
http://www.unhooked.com/index.htm
http://forums.delphiforums.com/lifering/start
RR:
http://www.rational.org/
And with all those options, the majority of people, 80%, quit on their
own.
"Another estimate is that at least 50% of alcoholics eventually free themselves although only 10% are ever treated. One recent study found that 80% of all alcoholics who recover for a year or more do so on their own, some after being unsuccessfully treated. When a group of these self-treated alcoholics was interviewed, 57% said they simply decided that alcohol was bad for them. Twenty-nine percent said health problems, frightening experiences, accidents, or blackouts persuaded them to quit. Others used such phrases as "Things were building up" or "I was sick and tired of it." Support from a husband or wife was important in sustaining the resolution."
Treatment of Drug Abuse and Addiction — Part III, The Harvard Mental Health Letter, October 1995.
Personally, I feel that all those groups are great for those who have
been through AA and have had it pounded into their heads that they NEED a group in order to quit. That’s BS, but AA has been very successful in getting people to believe that piece of misinformation.
Being around others for support can be a good thing, but ultimately, it
is up to the individual to use or not.
February 25th, 2010 at 1:46 am
Yes, go see your doctor and get yourself a referral to see a psychologist or a drug and alcohol social worker.
He/she will help you on a one on one, to get over any addiction and anxiety you have. Without getting your head done in by any of the AA cult BS or religious crap and being forced to listen to hard luck stories.
References :
February 25th, 2010 at 2:23 am
SOS:
http://www.sossobriety.org/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/sossaveourselves/
SMART:
http://www.smartrecovery.org/
http://smartrecovery.org/SMARTBoard/
LifeRing:
http://www.unhooked.com/index.htm
http://forums.delphiforums.com/lifering/start
RR:
http://www.rational.org/
And with all those options, the majority of people, 80%, quit on their
own.
"Another estimate is that at least 50% of alcoholics eventually free themselves although only 10% are ever treated. One recent study found that 80% of all alcoholics who recover for a year or more do so on their own, some after being unsuccessfully treated. When a group of these self-treated alcoholics was interviewed, 57% said they simply decided that alcohol was bad for them. Twenty-nine percent said health problems, frightening experiences, accidents, or blackouts persuaded them to quit. Others used such phrases as "Things were building up" or "I was sick and tired of it." Support from a husband or wife was important in sustaining the resolution."
Treatment of Drug Abuse and Addiction — Part III, The Harvard Mental Health Letter, October 1995.
Personally, I feel that all those groups are great for those who have
been through AA and have had it pounded into their heads that they NEED a group in order to quit. That’s BS, but AA has been very successful in getting people to believe that piece of misinformation.
Being around others for support can be a good thing, but ultimately, it
is up to the individual to use or not.
References :
sober since 8/4/01, owner of the Yahoo group "without_aa"
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/without_aa/
February 25th, 2010 at 2:47 am
There are a few good rehabilitation centers that will work for your needs. They are professionals and will help you with your alcoholism.
Best of luck,
Kevin
http://www.kdconsulting.org/
http://www.lifelineintervention.com/
References :