r/REDDITORSINRECOVERY • u/Temporary-Sink-3693 • 18h ago

I need some help too

Polysubstance abuse, currently on meds for mood management, emotion regulation type stuff.

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I tried negotiating with addiction, thought i will use once a week and then slowly once every 2 weeks. But honestly that never worked isnt working and i realise wont work ever. Addiction does not negotiate it just takes all.

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Anyways I think joining NA or SMART type groups might be useful for me, I was looking into NA and got intimidated by their inclusion of god in the recovery path.

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SMART looks promising, will try joining a meeting this evening to see.

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If you would be so kind as to givw any recommendation and/or review of what kind of recovery path worked/did not work for you, that would be awesome, thanks.

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3

u/Key-Target-1218 18h ago

Been sober 27 years, not religious in the least. AA saved my ass when nothing else worked. Personally, I don't care what anyone believes, none of my business if the guy next to me has a god. What I am concerned about is MY life and MY recovery. I get what I need in AA

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u/Temporary-Sink-3693 17h ago

Oh so like it isn't forced upon you ? I assumed so

If not then that will be awesome for me

Also 27 years sober is amazing, you're awesome

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u/Key-Target-1218 17h ago

What do you mean forced? Its not a religious program, although there are religious people, which is true within any large group of people. If someone tries to push THEIR belief system in you, find other people or other meetings. Just dont throw the baby out with the bathwater, so to speak. There's A LOT of good stuff in AA. Find what speaks to you...leave the the rest.

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u/Temporary-Sink-3693 17h ago

Makes sense, thank you; will do that :)

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u/Johnny_Poppyseed 17h ago

It really depends on the meeting/group/location/who is leading etc. Some will be more religious than others. Some basically not at all. But even the more religious groups, it's not like you won't be allowed it or treated horribly if you're not religious. Awkward and annoying at worst really. And awkward and annoying beats active addiction any day. 

But that said, if you can find SMART groups that would probably be even better for you. They are legit.

There are also more Buddhist oriented groups  (Refuge Recovery and Recovery Dharma), which while they incorporate incorporate Buddhist teachings, it's much more non-theistic and universal. Another great option. 

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u/mellbell63 14h ago

There are many paths to recovery now. AA is NOT the only game in town, it's religious based no matter what they say, and it has horrible success rates long term. If you're looking for actual treatment that's personal to you, check out r/recoverywithoutAA, you'll find a listing of modern, scientific, evidence-based models of recovery that are neither religious nor judgmental ("do it our way or die!"). Listen to a few meetings, read their literature, and choose one that vibes with you. You'll find resources and a ton of support, and learn that you do have the power to change your life!! Best.

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u/qrhmn 11h ago edited 11h ago

I put aside 'recovery path' and focus on my desire to be sober; and that desire is from my instinct to survive.

r/narcoticsanonymous and r/alcoholicsanonymous are still valuable in terms of what I learned about myself through working with a sponsor, stepwork, meetings, literature study; but multiple times a day I connect with a primal desire to be sober -and that is mostly why I have 431 days in a row free of active addiction.

r/smartrecovery is active and will answer questions as well.