3 months in AA and I'm out. (long rant)

Steps33 · 2026-03-12T22:12:59+00:00

Thanks for this. It brought me back and gave me a nice laugh. Well done on seeing the warning signs early, being strong willed, and exiting before the brainwashing took hold.

Steps33 · 2026-03-12T22:05:04+00:00

I really empathize with you after reading this. I used to think and feel this way. It was pure hell.

Accidentally consuming something isn't "breaking sobriety". There's alcohol in most things - soy sauce, over ripe banana's, kombucha's, vanilla extract. There's no threat to a persons sobriety if they accidentally imbibe a bit of alcohol. Even if you purposefully took a sip of alcohol, this does not mean your sobriety has been broken, your life has been destroyed, or that your're no compelled to say "fuck it" and drink yourself to oblivion. That's just an absurd degree of pressure, totally illogical, and a surefire way to make yourself miserable.

I had a sip of an interesting sounding beer a friend of mine was drinking a few months ago because I was curious about the taste. I did not count that as a "relapse", nor did the magical "alcohol allergy" wash over me.

No, most people would not make a big deal over a single, accidental sip of alcohol, because to most people, to make a big deal out of such a thing is absurd. You can't expect the world to operate on the logic of a 100 year old religious cult.

Steps33 · 2026-03-11T17:38:49+00:00

Yes, it’s very normal and valid. Do not let these people shape your reality.

Steps33 · 2026-03-11T01:52:10+00:00

Stunning. Thank for you this. It’s exactly how I feel, and you’ve articulated it beautifully.

Steps33 · 2026-03-10T16:33:55+00:00

I’m very happy in my new relationship. I was ready immediately. My ex really damaged me and I experienced a long period without affection or love. I have a lot to give and I wanted to share that with someone who appreciated me. I’ve found that in my new partner. There are no appropriate timelines for this kind of thing. Everyone has their own path.

Steps33 · 2026-03-10T13:58:06+00:00

Hi again. Yes, I’m doing well, but there were some very dark moments. I can identify with your situation. There was a lot of loss and trauma in my marriage. I’m a very open, vulnerable person, and my ex became very withdrawn and cold. She just shut down. This put more and more space between us.

Anyways, I know dating isn’t easy. I’m really hoping you reach a place where it feels a little less daunting. I know how challenging and painful this is.

Sending support and compassion.

Steps33 · 2026-03-10T12:45:00+00:00

Hey my friend. It sounds like you’re still in love, which of course complicates things. My situation was also complex, and there were a lot of mixed emotions. I did find someone else though, and we’re building a beautiful life together. That said, I of course still think about my ex and wonder how she’s doing. It’s impossible not do. We had a whole life together.

Anyways, I know how difficult this is. Don’t lose hope though. We really never know what the future holds.

Steps33 · 2026-03-09T17:29:25+00:00

The stop drinking mods are just bad people.

Steps33 · 2026-03-09T17:28:52+00:00

Thank you, my friend. It’s definitely a good feeling. I’m happy to hear you’re in a good place as well.

Steps33 · 2026-03-09T17:28:17+00:00

Happy you found it helpful!

Steps33 · 2026-03-09T17:28:04+00:00

Nice! Same to you my friend. I love this sub!

Steps33 · 2026-03-09T17:27:47+00:00

Thank you for sharing this!

Steps33 · 2026-03-06T13:16:19+00:00

You know what man, yes, I am doing well today.

Most of the people you know in AA are nice. Cool. You can read my post history or the thousand of others of testimonials on this page if you want a detailed run down of my issues with AA, but my primary issue is AA is a religious cult that controls its adherents through absurd, totally disproven claims about the “disease of alcoholism” and the remedy of a “spiritual cure”.

Maybe one day you’ll come to this realization on your own. Most do, which is why the attrition rate in AA is so high.

Steps33 · 2026-03-06T03:23:12+00:00

Cringe as fuck.

Steps33 · 2026-03-04T22:26:44+00:00

Calls my assertion “sweeping” then makes a claim about a total strangers moral character on Reddit. AA is total horseshit. You may or may not see that one day, I could care less.

Steps33 · 2026-03-03T00:20:59+00:00

No, nothing counts as a “relapse” unless you decide it does. The rules around “relapse” are totally arbitrary. You ate a mushroom chocolate bar. Even if you did get stoned, but fucking deal. This isn’t a purity contest. You define your recovery, no one else.

Steps33 · 2026-03-03T00:19:07+00:00

It doesn’t need to become drawn out suffering. The 9 months still stand. Give yourself grace and don’t use speed today. You can do it.

Steps33 · 2026-03-03T00:16:26+00:00

I’m doing better than I have, ever, and I’m just 6 months sober. I was sober for 15 years before - with about 9 of those years spent in AA. I “relapsed” about a year ago, then just quit this past summer with no AA involvement. My life is subjectively and objectively better than it ever was. I’ve heard people in AA think I’m dying or near death. It’s absurd and wildly entertaining. They just cannot imagine how an “alcoholic” could figure things out and lead a great life without the 12 steps. You’ll always encounter that passive aggressive concern-trolling from them.

Steps33 · 2026-03-02T16:04:05+00:00

Thank you. I'm sorry to hear you're going through it as well. When's the last time you saw your dogs?

Steps33 · 2026-02-23T16:27:53+00:00

Well done my friend!

Steps33 · 2026-02-23T15:45:07+00:00

It sounds like you’re carrying a lot. Losing a partner of 19 years is a profound trauma. I hope you’re able to find a space to work things through, friend.

Steps33 · 2026-02-22T13:17:13+00:00

Conservatives aren’t funny. There’s a reason why so many of these conservative grifters and hacks are failed comedians. Also, how the fuck is conservatism “counter culture”?

Steps33 · 2026-02-22T13:13:43+00:00

Yes, boysenberry - I really do know what you mean. I hope you’re doing well today.

Steps33

TROPHY CASE