An alcohol group like AA can prevent relapse after rehab.Have you decided to quit drinking? Do you want to try quitting on your own before committing to rehab? While quitting without help is harder, you may be successful on your own. There are alcohol group meetings and services available through your community that can help you find your way to recovery.

Early Steps to Recovery

The first steps you take toward recovery can be lonely and difficult. But if you follow some of these tips, you may be able to power through the first hard days, weeks and months:

  • Talk to your doctor about quitting
  • Put your plan in writing
  • Avoid places, people and things that tempt you to drink
  • Share your plan with those you love
  • Reward yourself as you reach goals
  • Watch out for signs of withdrawal
  • Use support systems, like an alcohol group in your community
  • Accept that you will make some mistakes and forgive yourself as you get back on track

When quitting drinking, you will need lots of support. This support may be at home, in your church, among friends or within your self-help alcohol group. Wherever you feel most supported in your sobriety, you will gain strength to succeed.

It is always important to consult with your doctor when quitting drinking. Your doctor will likely conduct a physical exam and may connect you with resources in your community. If your doctor believes you need medical supervision to quit drinking, you should talk to a quality rehab program, like Beaches Recovery. You should also seek this qualified help and support if your methods fail you or if withdrawal symptoms are overwhelming.

You should also consider professional help in a rehab if you have been drinking for a very long time. Quitting alcohol can be dangerous and even deadly if you have a serious addiction. Relapses can also be deadly if you return to drinking after going through some side effects of withdrawal or after being sober for a period of time.

What is a Self-Help Alcohol Group?

A self-help alcohol group may help you achieve recovery without rehab or other outside assistance. They also can be used as an aftercare treatment to keep up your coping skills. These groups often include a large number of people dealing with drinking problems. There is usually not a therapist leading the alcohol group, with members supporting and leading each other instead.

Some common self-help alcohol group programs include:

  • 12-Step programs
  • Church or spiritual recovery groups
  • SMART, Self-Management and Recovery Training, groups

The most common of self-help group types, 12-Step programs have been in use since the 1940s. The most widely known of these groups is Alcoholics Anonymous. The 12-Steps use a set of 12 spiritual principles practiced throughout daily life. When following the 12-Steps, many people can stop desiring alcohol and live a happier, more fulfilling life.

Many rehab programs integrate the 12-Steps into their treatment. This gives patients the familiarity and understanding of group support so they can use it as part of their daily life after rehab. Through the 12-Steps many people find lasting recovery.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Alcohol Addiction Recovery

Many people try to quit drinking on their own. Many, if not most, find they need help in achieving recovery. If you start a self-help program and realize you need assistance, it is never too late to begin again.

One of your best resources in developing your plan for sobriety is an accredited alcohol recovery center. They can guide you as you begin this important, difficult journey.

In Jacksonville, Florida, Beaches Recovery includes a 12-Step program in alcohol recovery. At Beaches, you can gain the recovery you want so badly while also establishing a foundation through the 12-Steps. That foundation carries over into your home community where you can continue a 12-Step approach to recovery. You are never without support in this combined approach to alcohol recovery.

If you are ready to stop drinking, call Beaches Recovery at 8666050532 to discuss options for achieving sobriety. Don’t put off the call, because this first step can be the best one toward the life you want.