So, how does this vary from AA?

[allfvkedup]

Anyone here try AA?

I have been to a few meetings, something about it is not me. I am seeking alternative treatments.

About me, I have been an on and off, mostly on drinking for the last 8 years. I am a binge drinking, drink 2-3 days, then take 5-7 days off, the cycles are getting worse. I am miserable who I am and what I am becoming. If i am not drinking, I am eating myself to death and if I am not eating or drinking I am gambling.

It is a never ending cycle that needs to end.

Thanks in advnace for the repsonses

[Lo0p]

So, how does this vary from AA?

There are many different paths that people on this board take to deal with their drinking. Take your time, read a whole lot and see if anything sounds like a good fit for you.

Here's my personal favorite: https://www.mywayout.org/community/f9...hod-38475.html

:welcome:

[KateH1]

So, how does this vary from AA?

All....This site is called MWO, it is based on the book My Way Out written by Roberta Jewel. This book can be downloaded at a very nominal cost right here on this website. Many of us here are enjoying long term sobriety using the tools in this book.

Next month I will celebrate two years alcohol free. I can honestly say that I do not miss having alcohol in my life. I chose not to use drugs to get sober. I used the book to design the way that worked for me.

I encourage you to read the book, read these boards and make your plan, beginning with 30 days alcohol free.

Best Wishes!!
Kate

[shirazgirl]

So, how does this vary from AA?

This is different from AA as we are not a religion based group nor are you required to follow a 12 step program (these are personal choices and not discouraged if that's what is working for you). There is a book and a program. Not all of the guidelines works for everyone, but some take what they need and implement other methods with these to find things that works for each individual.

We are here on the boards to discuss problems, offer up wisdom and advice, ask for help and to support each other. I guess this is our "fellowship" , where we find comfort and friends who understand where we are or where we have come from.

There is no judging here. People have not completely stopped drinking but still come because they are trying to get their lives under control. Hope you stick around. You may find some valuable advice from others. Good luck on your personal journey.

[Trish]

So, how does this vary from AA?

May I add, that I don't subscribe to AA. Mainly because from my exp's @ AA, the AA today isn't from my perspective the original AA. Comparing original literature to what actually happens in meetings & outside of them with members. Though I'm happy for those it does work for.

My understanding is that AA was originally founded on Christian principles, by the Oxford group. Though today & in the BB you can choose any higher power you want. Many of them state it isn't a religious program, but a spiritual one, via the 12-steps. You may encounter many different beliefs there. Even those who believe that a door knob is their HP, aka God. It is an individuals choice. As I believe it should be.

Though I learned things at AA & I appreciate & even utilize some of the philosophies. I found they push their way is the only way. You can draw your own conclusions. Whats most strange is they say they are open minded.

My personal belief is that there is no wrong way of getting sober. I think it's time for myself to order RJ'S book.

Judgments abound everywhere, including here. We are human. Though it does appear to happen less at MWO.

[hippie37]

So, how does this vary from AA?

In answer to your question AFU......YES!

1st time in AA I was 25 and thought I was too young to be an alcoholic because deep down I still had a lot of partying to do and I was there for nothing more than respite and to get people of my back NOT the monkey.

2nd time in AA about 2 years ago (I think) I was there because I was lonely and needed face to face contact with people and I just wanted answers but was not prepared to wait around long enough to listen. Thought getting into a relationship would be better for me instead and jumped at the chance when that came along and left AA very quickly believing we would keep each other sober.

3rd time in AA I started out in NA (Narcotics Anonymous) first and realised I had much deeper issues than I thought so went through a 12 step treatments center for addiction before finally finding my feet in AA about 7 months ago.

Today I'm still in AA and will be 10 months sober this Sunday. It works for me that's all I can say. They say AA is based on attraction rather than promotion (tradition 11) but I'll be honest I didn't want nothing to do with AA. I went fighting every step of the way to begin with. I'm your typical rebel, non-conformist, anarchist etc and the only way I found fellowship was not through attraction but as a last resort to finding some peace of mind. I had to reach a point in my drinking that took me to a place I had nowhere left to go or rock bottom. Thought I'd been that place on many occasions but this last time was different.

Trish is right in mentioning the fact that the program or 12 steps where based on peoples religious experiences NOT spiritual ones and that it has been adapted from that. (Google Carl Jung if you want more info!). But I feel it's unfair to tar everyone in AA with the same brush. There are people in AA who, to me, are what I would call 'reborn-ers!'; those that think AA is the only way because it has saved their own lives. But then people can be just as bad as pushing their own ideas about sobriety wherever you go. Even here. The wave of posts I've seen recently with people pushing The Sinclair Method as the only 'cure' is just as arrogant as the people in AA who do the same.

Only you can decide which tools to use to get yourself to a place you want to be. Lot's of people get and stay sober through utilising many different methods combined. As Trish mentions, some of the AA philosophies like "A day at a time" are used by many in the early days. I still try and keep things pretty simple and in the day if I can. It's whatever works for you. Just don't be deterred from trying.

Keep reading, keep posting and most of all put some action in start to build up some kind of plan as to what you want to do and stick to it. It's not easy but the rewards in sobriety are amazing if you work for them.

Best of luck
Love and Light
Phil
xx

[libits]

So, how does this vary from AA?

I am the one that suggested AFU try this site. I’ve been following his journey; it has been a long and arduous one.

I know I steered him in the right direction by coming here and I know you’ll take good care of him.

[Lo0p]

So, how does this vary from AA?

hippie37;761037 wrote: The wave of posts I've seen recently with people pushing The Sinclair Method as the only 'cure' is just as arrogant as the people in AA who do the same.

Whoa! Back up. Not one single person here has said anything remotely like that.

If you're going to start chucking insults at least dignify it with a quote.

edit: And when you don't find one an apology will be appropriate.

[Angelcakes]

So, how does this vary from AA?

AFU welcome - read, post & read some more - your way out is here somewhere.
Like Kate said the book does lay out all the tools pretty precisely...take what you need to help you beat this thing.

xo

[mario]

So, how does this vary from AA?

hi & welcome afu,read as many as the posts/threads that you can,you will certainly see that your not alone with any of your problems.
I go to AA,i also do one to one counselling and an aftercare group,i also as part of my daily routine log on here at least twice a day,it all helps me and has so far worked for me,hope you stick around as were open 24/7.goodluck

[Zeppie2]

So, how does this vary from AA?

Welcome AFU - Like a few have stated above it all depends on what works for you. If your goal is to beat alcoholism then do what ever you have to, to achieve it.

I have never been to AA so can't comment on that one, but I know it has worked wonders for so many people. I thankfully stumbled across this site when I finally admitted that I had a huge problem with alcohol and for me it is the greatest thing about.

Good luck with whatever route you decide to take.