I am having trouble trying to stop drinking, and I think I need outside help. I am considering my options, such as AA or Prometa. I'd appreciate hearing any feedback on the effectiveness of these treatments or others.
AA is an approach that can be very effective. The basis of AA's effectivelness is a combination of attending meetings, involving yourself in a process of change (the famous 12 steps) and then helping others get sober. The idea is that an alcoholic needs to undergo a pretty deep change in order let go of alcohol.
If you're an alcoholic (and there are pretty specific ways you can determine whether this is true for you or not), you're wired to drink to excess and to be restless, irritable and discontent when trying to quit.
AA groups and communities vary considerably. I live in a large city where there are many to choose among, and I searched for meetings that meshed with me. Some did and some did not.
All I can tell you is that I tried for nearly a decade to manage, reduce and/or quit drinking and I failed each and every day to do it. When I finally sought help, I was able to stop drinking and after an initial phase, have not missed it badly and now rarely ever think about it. I think AA is most effective when a person has gotten a sense that he really can't stop on his own, although many get sober without that recognition.
Grats on the post. Fact that you made the step here to acknowledge the issue and that your truely want to stop is a huge step. While I have not had the issue myself, have had two freinds die of liver cirrosis caused by this problem. One of them would not face the issue, the other talked the talk, but was not strong enough to walk it. Wish I could offer advice on either. What i will say, is whichever you chose to go try, put yourself into it fully and take involve yourself fully. You can beat it. My sister's husband did. I will ask him how cause I have not asked exactly in the past.
You will not regret it and the freedom, health and new life beating the alcohol gives you.
I have no experience with Prometa, but I can tell you that AA works. It provides both a framework (the 12 steps)and a community that promotes a sober lifestyle. Unlike 30 day detox programs which get you sober and then turn you loose to fend for yourself AA provides the addict with a lifelong path to recovery.
Yes, you have to "work the steps", but nothing worthwhile in life is free. And I can tell you that after decades of excoriating myself for my drinking only to succumb to the seductive call of that first drink, there is nothing that compares to sobriety. It returned to me my family, my friends, my career and probably my life.
If you've reached the point where you feel that you are powerless in the face of alcohol, that it runs your life, then I strongly encourage you to seek out an AA group within which you feel comfortable. As Mr. Blake points out, groups are often organized around lifestyle, sexual orientation, gender, religion or other common denominators. If the first group you visit is not for you, don't give up. Keep looking until you find a community in which you do feel comfortable. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose.
No one can understand what you are going through like another alcoholic (if, indeed, you are one). You have my heartfelt best wishes regardless of the path you choose. Please just choose one that leads to recovery.
My understanding is that you have to "work the program" though. I had a buddy recently fall off the proverbial wagon hardcore this past weekend after 30 days sober in a sober living house. His problem was once he moved out, he didn't continue with meetings and he kept all his drug- using friends (as well as those of us who aren't crackheads.) I've had friends who've quit drugs and alcohol by surrounding themselves with healthy people initially while in the program.
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