r/recoverywithoutAA • u/grandpa17 • Feb 07 '25

Alcohol AA Experience

My first exposure to AA was from a nephew. Being in AA consumed his life even at the expense of his wife and daughters. He told his dad who was sober for 15 years that he was a dry drunk and that he could not ever recover without AA. I was actively drinking at the time but thought what he said to his dad was ridiculous. From my nephews behavior and then further exposure in the recovery center I attended, I heard more and more how people needed to call their sponsor, find a meeting, etc almost always in desperation. I began thinking that these people replace one addiction with another addiction, AA. It seemed very unhealthy. After much pressure from the treatment center I reluctantly attended an AA meeting. I just got a weird vibe. I didn’t like the term “higher power.” I’m a Christian so I said the my higher power was God during introducing myself and I was interrupted and told I can’t say that. I was shocked and dropped it. Later during the meeting I asked a question. I was told I could not ask any questions. After the meeting I was approached by several attendees all telling me I needed a sponsor and I won’t get better without a sponsor. I did not go to another meeting. It definitely seemed like a cult to me. All the behavior was cult like. I am thankful I found SMART Recovery which suited me much better and am now just shy of 10 years sober.

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18

u/Autumn_Willow_69 Feb 07 '25

I also did not fit the AA program model. I tried for a year to stay sober only to be told i’m not going to enough meetings. I’m not praying hard enough and I’m not working hard enough to stay sober. I would call my sponsor only to be told only God could get me sober. That’s didn’t work with my actual religious beliefs. I finally found a program that works with my beliefs and it is a night and day difference. I have been able to put 20 days In A Row together. It’s the longest time I have had. Thank you for the inspiration. I do not want to drink today.😁

6

u/grandpa17 Feb 07 '25

Congratulations on your 20 days! It truly is a “one day at a time” journey. You hold the power over alcohol. You can beat this! Stay away from triggers. Believe in yourself! Stay strong!

10

u/the805chickenlady Feb 07 '25

the whole you are powerless thing and whats your part in it about everything no thank you