im an alcoholic and am wondering what to do if aa dosent seem to help

[daisy2608]

im in a group thearpy class for addiction and there guidelines state you must attend three aa meetings a week so ive gone and it is great but i just do not feel it helps me i like to stay home with my children and going to group and now ive found this place so i think ill be ok if any has any advice please i need some what do i do i mean aa must work look at all the people it has helped but is it for everyone am i being naive

[ibizan]

konyha makes very good points....also good to take a look at...are u comparing urself OUT of the room?looking for how different u r from the ppl there vs.what u have in common with them?i did that a lot in the beginning with AA/NA..when i stopped doing that it worked...cuz i wanted recovery very badly!

[konyha]

AA (like most other things in life)   Works if you work it.

I'm the first to admit my initial impression of AA was the members were nothing but an overzealous and dogmatic bunch of kooks. I did not however view AA as a cult and I find the notion ridiculous to this day.

Folks who state the program as nothing but "brainwashing" unfortunately have seen too many laughable portrayals of 12-step programs in the media. Sure, many understand the working definition of a cult, but have limited experience at life and education to understand the gripping dynamic of a genuine practicing cult.  

AA doesn't recruit members or hold them unwillfully under false or unlikely pretenses. Furthermore,  You are a member when you say you are  :)

Non 12-step or alternative recovery programs may be structured differently but ultimately offer most of the same things 12-step recovery programs offer. I have checked out a few  alternative recovery programs on the internet and in person and begrudge them nothing. The notion that all roads lead to recovery was right.

One popular alternative recovery program states:
Where many people fail their treatment programs, and the treatment program fails them is that expectations and goals are not clearly defined in the beginning of the program and they are not realistic. A treatment does work when it meets your individual needs, reduces or eliminates the craving and treats the underlying emotional issues.....

Please tell me how the above concept is all that different from AA or NA where the steps (in a very brief nutshell) imply:
*admitting that one cannot control one's addiction or compulsion;
*recognizing a greater power that can give strength;
*examining past errors (i.e. emotional/other issues) via sponsor (experienced member);
*making amends for these errors;
*learning to live a new life with a new code of behavior;
*helping others that suffer from the same addictions or compulsions

The demographics of 12-step AA/NA meetings vary and meetings are everywhere. The odds are favourable you will find a group you feel comfortable.  Further, it is hard to rule the program out if one travels a lot.

Admitting and accepting substances have become problematic and your life isn't working is unavoidable. The place and manner you do it is your choice.

No mater what you decide or where you end up: don't give up trying because you have a few bad vibes.

[ibizan]

there is also Rational Recovery and Secular Organizations for Sobriety...google these topics an du will come up with a slew of info.There are many many roads to recovery and what works for one may not work for another!U must find your own path if u want it bad enough!

[driftersgal]

I believe you're right--AA isn't for everyone.  There is a book out called "Turnabout" by Jean Kirkpatrick that you may want to read.  I'm also providing the URL to her website, Women For Sobriety, so that you can visit it and check it out.  I wish you the best of luck!!!  :)

http://www.womenforsobriety.org/

Best wishes,

driftersgal

[boogieman]

hi. how many meetings have you been to? have you tried different groups?