Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the most widely known path to recovery from addiction, and often it's the only option people are aware of when they decide they're ready to stop drinking. While AA works well for many people, it doesn't always provide what someone needs to achieve lasting sobriety. Our goal is to bring to light how many different options there are for recovering from alcohol use disorder.
Our guests share what their experience in AA was like, how it shaped their recovery, and what they did when they realized they needed something different.
"AA does not have a monopoly on changing your life for the better."
Episode Highlights:
- AA offers a "cookie cutter" recovery plan, but humans are not suffering from "cookie cutter" addictions.
- Validating reasons that AA isn't always possible, such as difficulty getting to meetings
- Using "quitlit" books to support your recovery
- Finding a sense of community outside of Alcoholics Anonymous
- AA offers an instruction manual that can be a good foundation for recovery, but some people find they need more
- Health and wellness as a foundation for recovery
- The people of AA is the core - it's what makes it so valuable.
- Some groups lean heavily on a higher power, others don't. Sometimes it takes trying a few groups to find one that does fit.
- Our recovery needs change based on the seasons of our lives
- Scientific, contemplative, and reflective practices as a basis for a recovery plan
"Take what you need and leave the rest."
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Rich Sullivan and his wife run a local sober and sober curious community on Facebook called Clear + Present Strangers. You can find the group by searching. Also check out their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearandpresentstrangers/
They also offer a self guided coaching course and 1:1 coaching, as well as promote local alcohol-free events, feature restaurants that offer great NA options.
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Rachel Collins is a licensed clinical professional counselor and founder of Stride Forward Counseling. She is LGBTQIA+ affirming and her mission is to empower you to lead a more meaningful life. Rachel is trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-basedcognitive therapy (MBCT). She has a special interest in working with individuals who are struggling with substance abuse, addiction, and that are highly sensitive.
Visit her website at https://strideforwardcounseling.com
Check out Rachel's podcast:
Self-improvement Book Club by Rachel
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-improvement-book-club-by-rachel/id1647601481
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Dr. Joanne Ketch LPC: I’ve walked through most of the major seasons of adult life sober. My own journey inspired me to dedicate my career to transforming the treatment of substance use disorder. Through my master’s and doctoral work, I developed a passion for empowering people to own their recovery and breaking down misinformation and stigma around addiction. I believe recovery is about building a full, rewarding life, and I’m honored to share a bit of my story today. You can find more of my work at www.drjorecoverycoaching.com.
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Resources:
Rewired by Erica Spiegelman - a recovery program based on self reflection and journaling.
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We would love to hear about your experience with AA! We know it works for a lot of people, and it doesn't work for others, and we're always open to hearing stories from both sides of the fence. Come share your thoughts on Instagram: @throughtheglassrecovery or on Facebook
Find full show notes and other resources on our website: throughtheglassrecovery.com
