There’s more roads to recovery Shando. AA’s one of 'm. For me this place right here is my main source of sober support. Not trying to do it on my own for me is the most important thing. We’re in this together. Alone it’s too much. Together we can make it.
Also I’m in group therapy for my mental health problems and I see that as a major pillar of my recovery as well. I do me. You do you and you make sure to work your recovery in the way that works for you. Just as long as you know recovery involves more than just abstaining from using. All success to you friend.
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I did it almost 2 years next month alcohol and cigarettes free. So if I can do it you can too. Whatever you do don’t quit cold turkey the withdrawal symptoms are real.
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Yep! I’ve never done AA or been to a meeting. I have nothing against it at all…just wasn’t the path I chose.
I have started to read the big book in the last few weeks thanks to a study thread started here on the forum for discussion. I’m always up for new things and I know it’s important to continuously work on sobriety so I figured I’d give it a read.
I haven’t ever done the steps or anything though. Like @Mno said, this is the main place I come for support and camaraderie.
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Glad to hear some others are having success with this also. I’m on day 1,238. … just wanted to know if anyone else on hear is having success too. Plus hopefully this gives some hope to those that feel like classes aren’t for them. Sober is the goal. The steps are up to us. As long as it works🤘🏼
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I was also starting to wonder about the same thing. I’ve been using this place as my main port for recovery along with podcasts and some internet readings. I read a ton on here so I figured the shares here would probably be the same as going to meetings. I’m still very early on in sobriety. Only 66 days. So not really sure if I’ll end up at a meeting at some point.
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Yes, I have achieved sobriety working my own program. Five years in March after 40+ of drinking and drugs. You can read about my journey and what worked for me on the links on my profile. 
I would write more, but am in transit thru an airport. 
Edited to add…waiting for take off, here is a list of some of the many things that assisted in my sobriety…
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Hello there. I have found that a hodgepodge of things have kept me sober thus far. The Big Book being just one of them. This group and another one aside from this one has helped me also, tremendously. Everyone’s journey is different. However, I have found that knowledge, accountability, and support have been really the needs for my journey. Read around and see what others have done and offered to share in here 
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i would def go more than once. and i wouldn’t treat it like you’re being taught. that might get you off on the wrong foot. try a week and see what you think! going cold turkey with no support is tough.
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Day 1174 for me here. I am not in AA or doing the steps although I think many are part of my recovery, working on understanding myself better.
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Day 574, I did go to online AA for a while but it isn’t really for me. I find addiction counselling more beneficial to me, also staying contact with other addicts on this forum has been huge support.
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818 days without meetings here. I’m certainly not opposed is just my commute, messed up work schedule, and being remote make it near impossible. I believe as long as you put work into your sobriety you’ll do well. Talking with other recovering addicts is huge for sustained success. There is no “right” path towards recovery as long as you keep walking.
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More then 3 years sober without a program. I made myself a sober plan and stick to that.
Collected everything in it that helps me to stay on the sober path. But I can’t do it all alone, that’s why I’m here. I need people around me who “get’s it”. Who I can ask for help, talk about my struggles ore celebrate my milestones with.
First year of my recovery I was here every day to use the daily check in tread.
Still around here much because I need to stay focussed.
See you around 
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Check this thread out for some alternatives
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Plenty of ways to get sober and stay sober lots of stuff online , i got sober when there wasnt any internet just AA meetings so im a bit basis but if it works for you do it . but in 1986 i had no choice like today wish you all well
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I did AA for awhile when I got of rehab. I learned a lot. I worked the steps with a sponsor, but I do other things now. I talk to another person in recovery almost daily. I like this forum a lot and Stuff That Works is a good place also. I believe we can do anything we set our minds to. Many paths to recovery. I am only powerless when I drink. Making the right choices is powerful. 
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I’m almost 3 years sober and I haven’t gone to a meeting in the past 3 years. Nothing against them and I’ve learned a ton of wisdom from People in AA and I read AA/NA verses regularly, but I personally have never been to a meeting while in active recovery.
The doctrine and practices aspect of my recovery is largely based on Refuge recovery / Dharma recovery and incorporating Buddhist practices into my daily life.
I think the most important aspect is that a significant portion of your day and your mental bandwith should be focused on recovery and getting whatever tools you need to keep sober. I do believe classes would help though
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Im not big on the aa thing. I went to a few a couple years ago when i was struggling. Just wasnt my thing. This community here has definitely been supportive and a good distraction. I found the alcohol experiment from this awesome list by chance
It appealed to my rational mind because i knew the constant cognitive dissonance with drinking, not to drink, drinking to much…something was winning my mind game. So ive been fighting back with learning so much about why? And what im drinking. You start the experiment with 30 days
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Thanks ! Will definitely look into it
Somehow I got sober without meetings. I know it’s the popular opinion of many health professionals to go to meetings
It just depends on your willpower. I had to slowly train myself to build up my willpower, as when I quit, there were no meetings I knew of. I was a stranger in a different area…which also got me to quit because I would have to go out of my way to buy alcohol.
But I do consider this community and forum to help me stay sober.
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I can relate to this big time. I did same thing except I live across the road from 3 bars. I’m currently 1248 days sober. I was just curious if anyone else was having luck without classes too. They weren’t for me. Not very religious tbh and classes give all the credit to religion it seems like. But anyway glad to hear you made it too! Congrats on your sobriety!!!
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