AA/NA doesn't work (i hate going to meetings and i don't like the steps) and things are getting kinda out of hand around here and I need to stop using for awhile. I've tried rehabs and detox but with no success. I don't need to stay clean forever just until things calm down a bit but I realize that i do need some type of help. any suggestions? no judgements please!!!
2007-07-17 14:20:22 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
After almost twenty years of trying to use the program of AA on and off and failing miserably ever time, I got help for the depression that always made me return to drinking. Drinking then became a non-issue.
"Drink Too Much?"
http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/DrinkTooMuch.html
"What works?"
http://www.behaviortherapy.com/whatworks.htm
Note that AA is listed as #38 out of 48 methods tested in effectiveness. Don't listen to people who tell you it's the only way. Ask the AA folks to find ONE scientific study that shows that AA works, they can't. They'll assure you that statistics are all wrong.
"The Effectiveness of the Twelve-Step Treatment":
http://www.orange-papers.org/orange-effectiveness.html
2007-07-17 17:34:04 · answer #1 · answered by raysny 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
The only way to stay clean and sober is to not drink and use.
While AA/NA may not be working for you, it does and has worked for thousands of people.
In order to be successful you need to be willing to change. If willpower worked, you'd be sober, right?
In order to change, you may need help, someone that can guide you through things. Stop trying to do it on your own, Find a power greater than yourself and ask for help.
Sounds like AA rhetoric right?
Call it what you will. Find what works for you. You deserve to be sober, you are worth the trouble, pain, heartache it takes to let go of old ways.
Trust me, I've been there. What didn't work for you has worked for me for 10 yrs now.
good luck.
2007-07-17 21:31:30 · answer #2 · answered by goodcook 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Not judging you but you do need to STAY clean. I didn't find support groups especially helpful either. But, oddly enough, I did find reading the New Testament (Bible) to be a strangely powerful force that got me through my first days, weeks, months and now its been several years of sobriety. You really have to WANT to come clean though. Email me if I can help encourage you in any way.
2007-07-17 21:33:37 · answer #3 · answered by Phil Conners 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The fact you said "I don't need to stay clean forever..." shows that you have no intention of being sober. "Sober" is not a dress you wear out in public to impress people; it's a way of life, a complete hundred and eighty degree turnaround in how you think, act, and live your life.
Go back to AA and actually listen to the folks there. And keep going back until it sinks in. I'd hate to see you be one of those people who has to "hit bottom" before you decide to turn your life around.
2007-07-17 21:26:00 · answer #4 · answered by Boots McGraw 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
First and foremost, nothing is going to work if your not committed and are serious about quitting. The only real answer that I can give you is get serious and don't kid yourself. Also, if your going to quit, then you cannot pick up again because you will always think you can control it when you really can't. The solution to that is to avoid picking up. It's going to require a lot of life changing, but its worth it in the end.
2007-07-17 21:30:31 · answer #5 · answered by jane d 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are an alcoholic. AA isn't working for you because you are not ready to quit yet.
Yes, you do need to stay sober. You know what happens when you drink. If you were to get sober and then wait a little while and start drinking, everything will go to s*** again.
When you really hit your bottom, then you'll be ready to get help and ready for AA.
2007-07-17 21:24:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
If you are an alcoholic you DO need to stay clean forever. Each time you fall off the wagon, it will be worse and worse and worse, and harder to stop.
The 12 steps work because they make you address the problems in your life that you drink to cover up.
Please go back. You have a disease and you need serious help
2007-07-17 21:25:50 · answer #7 · answered by rose_32008 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
AA does not work for you because you don't want it to work.
There is a simple way to get sober.
You only have to change one thing in your life.
And that one thing is "EVERYTHING"
And until you are willing to listen, go on your merry way.
But don't go to meetings, don't work the steps, don't talk to others about your problems.
And see how wonderful your life can get.
When you hurt enough.............AA will still be there.
As well as hundreds of smiling faces!!
We'll be waiting!!!
2007-07-17 22:02:25 · answer #8 · answered by sasha1641 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes stay away from the people that drink or do drugs and you'll start to change believe me I know this went thru it years ago.If your friends are true friends then they'll understand that you want 2 change.Good Luck
2007-07-17 21:24:53 · answer #9 · answered by sugarbdp1 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its hard trust me-but just try to cut down slowly-try only yo drink once or twice a week and you will fweel much better and get alot more done with your not drunk or hungover time!ive been there
2007-07-18 12:10:40 · answer #10 · answered by lori h 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋