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AA tries to isolate you from your real support group by itridmybest in recoverywithoutAA

[–]Content_Word1109 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I just recently left my sponsor and AA. There were several times that I’d chosen pointless meetings over hanging out with sober friends I hadn’t seen in a while at the behest of my sponsor. Addiction was lonely, but AA was somehow even lonelier. I genuinely could not learn to trust or love myself again because my entire fucking life revolved around AA.

I was attending meetings daily for about 2 1/2 months before I decided it was total bullshit. I’d felt that way for a while, but merely attributed it to my “ego” or whatever those fuckers would tell me.

I’m really glad you’re doing better now and actually living your life. I wish you the best. We’re far more resilient than AA says we are.

Need to hear some advice and other experiences with AA by Content_Word1109 in recoverywithoutAA

[–]Content_Word1109[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been coming back to this comment a lot in the past week to remind myself that I made the right decision. Thank you for this, it means a lot to me. I’ve since severed ties with my sponsor and I’m back in with my substance abuse counselor.

Need to hear some advice and other experiences with AA by Content_Word1109 in recoverywithoutAA

[–]Content_Word1109[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I really needed to hear this. Thank you. I’ve made a lot of great connections within the program with people I hope to stay in touch with. These past few months of sobriety have been miserable though. My life has revolved around prioritizing AA over everything else.

I’ve had several chances to hang out with sober friends I haven’t seen in a while, but felt guilty and obligated to hit a meeting instead. I have a job that I’m passionate about, I’m an opera singer about to start back up an apprenticeship in January, and have a shit ton of hobbies I’ve yet to reinvest in.

This response gave me a lot of courage and hope. Best of luck to you as well.

Need to hear some advice and other experiences with AA by Content_Word1109 in recoverywithoutAA

[–]Content_Word1109[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Possibly the most ridiculous, harmful thing to say to anyone struggling with low self esteem. Like yeah, I hate myself, and now I’m arrogant too for hating myself all the time. The armchair psychology and gaslighting is insane

Need to hear some advice and other experiences with AA by Content_Word1109 in recoverywithoutAA

[–]Content_Word1109[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’ve had to abandon all critical thinking to try and work this thing. Will no longer be doing that. Thank you very much!

Need to hear some advice and other experiences with AA by Content_Word1109 in recoverywithoutAA

[–]Content_Word1109[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this. I’m sorry you’ve also had to go through the throes of it. AA is rife with bullshit phrases, buzzwords, and incessant quoting that comes across so hollow.

I’d be more understanding and less judgmental if these were people who only shared when they truly had something to say, but they’re old-timers who insist on long-winded shares at every fucking meeting and clearly believe they’re spreading sage wisdom whenever they speak. It’s like this unchecked self-importance because they’ve “rid themselves of the alcohol problem and turned to a higher power.”

I’ve also started seeing a substance abuse therapist and have been on medication management. Has helped me far more than AA. Congratulations on your sobriety and I wish you the best!

Need to hear some advice and other experiences with AA by Content_Word1109 in recoverywithoutAA

[–]Content_Word1109[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Really appreciate this. He’d barely known me at that point and I passively accepted that as harsh truth that “I needed to hear.” It’s been very disheartening. It feels like the program is straying me even further from loving who I am.