A Guide on How to Stay Sober Without AA

We are living in the age of the sober warrior.

The number of people who are trying to get sober has grown so much across the country that there aren’t enough cheap places for them to live. As this trend increases, there are now tons of different programs for people to choose from.

While it may seem like a good idea, having too many options can give people anxiety or make it seem like it’s impossible to feel satisfied. With so many different choices, people end up staying in the program they started with.

Keep reading to learn how to stay sober without AA or the other 12-step programs out there.

Understand Your Motivation

Staying sober without AA can be difficult, but it is possible with a thorough understanding of your motivation. It’s important to recognize why you want to stay sober in the first place- and to keep that in the front of your mind.

Once you have identified your reasons, you can use them to stay focused. Writing down your goals on paper or on a digital board can be a great reminder of why you want to quit alcohol. Understanding your motivation is the first step in your sober journey, and it is critical for long-term success.

Build a Supportive Network

Building a supportive network is an essential part of staying sober without AA. Connecting to family, friends, or even a support group can help so much in providing the support needed in times of difficulty.

Reach out to people who prefer connecting without including alcohol. Spend time creating meaningful conversations and activities in their presence. Explain the goal of sobriety and ask for their assistance in reaching this goal. Ask for words of encouragement by scheduling regular check-ins to discuss progress and challenges.

People trying to get clean have become so common across the country that there aren’t enough cheap places for them to stay. Building a strong support network is an invaluable tool in staying sober.

Therapy and Counseling

Staying sober without AA is entirely possible, and while not easy, it comes with the help of therapy and counseling. Therapy and counseling help those who stay sober without AA adjust to life and learn how to stay sober.

Counseling can be instrumental for those in recovery from addiction. It can assist in identifying triggers and solutions, focus on wellness objectives, and boost recovery morale. Also, therapy choices like cognitive behavioral therapy can help people who don’t go to AA. This helps individuals learn how to stay sober and handle triggers that make them want to use again.

Ultimately, therapy and counseling can be a great support system. It helps those who have chosen not to participate in AA to remain sober and remain positive in their recovery journey. Furthermore, technology has made virtual counseling possible. This is an excellent alternative, especially beneficial for those who may feel stigmatized or uncomfortable with in-person treatment.

Outpatient Drug Treatment

When looking for a way to stay sober without AA, it is important to consider outpatient drug treatment. This helps people recover from substance use disorder without inpatient care.

It helps individuals to develop and practice the skills needed to remain sober in their own environment. A typical outpatient drug treatment program involves:

individual and group therapy session
educational classes
life skills groups
nutrition counseling
mental health screenings
relapse prevention techniques

Outpatient services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual, making them a great way to stay clean without relying on AA. An outpatient program can also support recovery. This is done by creating a safe, drug-free environment that encourages freedom and sobriety.

Outpatient treatment programs offer the flexibility to continue work, go to school, or take care of family while in the program. With the guidance of a treatment professional, an individual can get help to build a strong foundation for lasting sobriety.

Avoid Triggers

When it comes to avoiding alcohol, one of the best ways to stay sober is to avoid triggers. Triggers can be anything from people, places, or activities that lead to the urge to drink.

For instance, being around people who frequently use alcohol is a trigger for an urge to drink. Avoid places where alcohol is always present, such as bars, clubs, and parties. If being in certain environments causes cravings, create a plan to exit such environments as quickly and politely as possible.

Instead of drinking, replace activities like watching sports or going to dinner with alcohol-free ones. For example, going to a coffee shop or movie with friends and family can be a great substitute. Keeping a list of healthy activities may provide additional help to distract oneself and stay sober.

Develop Healthy Habits

Participating in activities such as yoga, playing sports, or even just taking walks can help keep cravings at bay. Also, make sure to get enough sleep each night and avoid environments and people associated with drinking.

Make sure to stay connected with other sober people in some way for additional support. Reach out and use the tools that are out there, like exercise classes for people who are clean, art or music classes, or mentoring programs.

Lastly, learn to enjoy doing the things you used to do while drinking, such as going out to movies, attending sporting events, or reading. Doing so can help you find sober ways to relax and have fun.

Celebrate Your Successes

Celebrate your successes while staying sober without AA. Whether you are learning to manage your substance use or taking a break from alcohol and drugs altogether, focusing on the positive changes you are making for yourself can be incredibly powerful.

Celebrating your successes is a great way to remind yourself of how far you’ve come. Maybe you are abstaining for more days than you once did, or you are recognizing triggers and leaving social scenarios when you start to get overwhelmed.

Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, big or small. Treat yourself with self-compassion and gratitude – take a bath, go for a walk, or cook a favorite meal. This can boost feelings of accomplishment and self-love, making sober life more enjoyable.