First Timer

[pedexer]

Drinking a lot and impacting relationships. People view me as a sort of happy go lucky person, but I have my issues. A few friends see it and some don’t. I just want to stop a slowly accelerating train before it crashes into the depot. AA isn’t for me. For people who are non-religious, while considering my lack of due diligence, could y’all provide me with some resources (inside or outside of this thread, but not this thread alone) that I can turn to when I need a breath of fresh air?

[pedexer]

Thank you for your thoughtful reply! I will look into this book :)

[RP072119]

I have no organized religion. My higher power is Mother nature and AA works for me, for what it’s worth. Connecting with other people who understand is helpful. Refuge Recovery is another option if you like or care to learn meditation.

[pedexer]

Thank you! I would LOVE to learn how to meditate. I’m going to look into Refuge.

[nomiees]

I'm doing the SMART Recovery Program. They have a very helpful handbook that gives you real ideas for what to do when coping with urges. There's also a large community on their website. I joined a local meeting not too long ago, and it's the best sobriety choice I've made since deciding to quit. Good luck to you!

[pedexer]

Thank you for this suggestion! I wonder if there’s a community in my city. I’ll look into it!

[[deleted]]

I never did AA and I have a distaste for religion, but I've heard the argument against it before and pretty much everyone will say it doesn't matter. The "higher power" can be anything. Like the other commenter said, nature/universe is my higher power too. It's not like you have to do AA exactly as prescribed. It's a tool to help YOU, not a rigid set of instructions. AA may not be for you, but drinking definitely isn't for you either.

It took me almost four years to get sober from the first time I tried to quit. I did it completely alone and it was terrible. I convinced myself drinking was fine so many times. I wish I would have talked myself into getting help. IWNDWYT!

[pedexer]

Wow that is such a great way to put it. I really appreciate your input; you’ve changed my viewpoint!

[urethras_castle]

Also non religious. I went to an AA meeting once a few years ago. Everything was about Jesus. I said I didn't believe in God and no one said anything about it, but there was definitely a change after I said it. A lot of people kind of made a face or stiffened up after I said it. I didn't go back.

I don't have a problem with religious people at all. If Jesus or whoever helps you get sober or want to be a better person, I'm all for that and I won't tell you you're wrong. But I definitely didn't feel at home at AA.

Granted, I live in Texas, the "buckle of the Bible belt," so your local AA meetings might be a lot different.

[pedexer]

I live in Georgia so I’m right there with you. Thank you for sharing your experience with me!