Anyone interested in a non-12 step group?

[lizmcc27]

I've created a forum for people in recovery wishing to focus on different issues like Cognitive Behavior therapy, Nutritional support, Exercise etc.  I'm not against 12 step groups I'm just looking for something different.  

Many roads, one journey.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/non-twelve-step-recovery

[uiees]

I am interested.  My husband is trying to quit drinking, but needs physical help, not stale coffee in a church basement.  

[ibizan]

the coffee i drank was never stale!it was strong and hot and real good!

[dominosarah]

No stale coffee where i go either.........

[rod44]

i dont go there for the coffee.

[rod44]

I am a bit confused you say your husband in one post…you in the other and then you knock a program that is working for many many people around the world.

The first rule of getting sober is honesty, you need to admitt and accept
you are an alcoholic because with out this you have nothing and no program is going to work. I agree with your journal entry but for now focus on changing the alcoholic not the world…..baby steps.
get to a doctor for the physical stuff. get to an AA meeting for every thing else...even the stale coffee lol!
don’t knock it until you have given it an honest try.
Wishing you well

Ray  

[dominosarah]

Very well said Rod.......

[ibizan]

Ditto my friends.... points well taken!

[Tink70]

Ya know - it's funny.  Funny how people with addiction problems will try EVERYTHING under the sun to get sober from meditation chants, to "nutritional supplements" to blaming it on medical problems.  My sister was arrested last night for forging a pain med prescription - she has always balked at AA or NA - but at the moment - she's reconsidering.  Funny, huh?  A good AA or NA or CA meeting actually holds lots of comments from people using CBT, DBT, Nutritional supplements and exercise.  They are just part and parcel of the whole recovery gig.  And I never drank the coffee at any of the meetings I went to or go to so I can't comment on the "staleness" but I never heard anyone complain. And as for the church basements - well, its just a basement and there are lots of meetings that are held in other places.
Tink

[ibizan]

i drank in nice bars i drank in dives i drank alone at friends homes....a basement for a meeting is a good place...well lit too!too what lengths did one go to to drink/drug?then if u want recovery u will put all the energy u spent chasing the chemical dragon in2 recovery!:)

[narla]

I am not using AA or NA mainly because I don't like been in enclosed spaces with other people I'm a bit of a loner, other than with my friends who I've had for years and because of my childhood I have a lot of trust issues,so I'm working 1 hr a week with my doctor and 2 hrs a week with my counsellor,I also have his mobile No: so If I need to I can ring him day or night.

[ibizan]

like I said dear there are many roads to recovery and if yours is working for u then by all means continue on the path u r on!:)

[rod44]

Hi
I agree with ibizan if it is working for you stick with it, use it and keep life simple.

Ray

[enufisenuf]

I am interested in your new forum...cannot seem to find it though.

[lizmcc27]

Wow thanks for the lively debate.  Keep in mind every meeting can be different, I live in a small town and the meetings tend to be a little 'cliquey'.  I have found strength and inspiration in meetings but I find formats like SMART recovery a little more my style.  I am a practicing Buddhist and my focus is self-reliance, discipline and growth through personal insights.

Many Roads One Journey!

[lizmcc27]

My link is broken to the forum by if you search for non twelve it will come up.  

[ibizan]

SMART recovery and Buddhism is good stuff...so much good anger and stress management  practices to b found!I use much of their material as well!

[enufisenuf]

I joined your group...but I do not feel any different yet...but will try.

[PinPinPatrick]

I like the non-12 step approach.  While I still looked into AA to see what it's all about, and read about the 12 steps and so forth... I don't think I need to spend time there, it seems like everyone is just focusing on negative energy... I've had enough of that in my life and I want to focus on positive things now... and I'm a non-religious type of person as well, and AA puts too much emphasis on religion.  

I just focused myself on all the reasons why I need to change my ways in life, give up drinking and live sober.  It's working for me now and my life is changing.  I read stories on alcoholism, think of my own negative experiences...  But there's going to be a point where I'm going to want to pick myself up from the negativity.  

[ibizan]

There is a saying in 12 Step stick with the winners...and hang with those who walk what they talk!I did that and am coming up on 26 years sober/clean!I also went to RR,SOS and NA...had to travel a ways for RR and SOS.Where u find humans u will find controversy and negativity and when u put principles over personalities u can overcome.I have far more negative humans in my workday and 12 Step and all others gave me the tools to deal with them daily.

[sograteful828]

just had to comment real quick, gosh i cant believe an AA meeting being so negative, i am not saying i dont believe it, but i am so sorry that happened to you. please dont give up on them because of 1 bad meeting, thats why there are so many out there. as far as the religion part..well, i was scepticle myself seeing as though i had never stepped foot into a church in my life, but they focus on "spirituality" not religion. people use the God of their understanding. there are many different religious backgrounds in each meeting...the one thing in common in that SPIRITUALLY we believe we were there due to a power higher than ourselves....not necesarrily God.

i fought the same thoughts you are, but for myself, it was an excuse not to be open minded. i am in no way saying that is you, i just wish people could attend a great meeting every time the first time so they can feel the warmth and support i was lucky enoough to have. i go every day now, and i have to admit, now i do believe in God (of my understanding)...it came with my sobriety not the meetings by any means.

the 12 steps work for alot of people, usually those who complicate their own lives far more than necessary.  as they say, It is a simple program for complicated people.  that is the truth!!!

hope you find what works for you....whatever that is, and congrats on your sobriety

[lizmcc27]

I shouldn't have titled it "non-twelve step".  I'm not at all down on AA, I just wanted to explore other approaches to recovery.  I think cost benefit analysis is a very valuable tool and great for group discussion.  

So... come on 12 steppers join me and let's get to work!

[ibizan]

there is nothing wrong with titling ur post non-12 step......there are many other alternatives that are not 12 step that work for individuals as well as 12 steps.....and many have been mentioned and practiced!