Stress Relief, Stress Management for a stress free life

Stress Relief

Alternatives To 12-step Programs?

I believe I suffer from too much stress and not a good enough management system for the stress I have, and that alcohol abuse is one of many symptoms.
I’ve been binge drinking (5-6 drinks) about every 10 days for the last 3 months, where I drink more and faster than is within my values. I’ve tried to cut back, but only been partially successful.
I’ve had friends who were in 12-step programs and “treatment,” and they describe recovery addicts, emphatically stated B.S., and cult-like behavior on the parts of both the recievers and givers of support. They even describe some of this crap happening with therapists specializing in addiction.
Although I love Dr. Drew from Loveline, I’m sure I would reject much of the methods he would use with me.
Any thoughts?

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  1. That’s because you really don’t want any help. So try some more controlled drinking. When the pain in your life gets bad enough, then maybe you’ll be willing to try anything to make the pain STOP. Even a 12-step program.

    - bmac
  2. If your drinking is not an issue why are you asking about alternative alcohol abuse problems.?
    You probably just need stress managemant, take up running.
    One day you will get honest with your self, dont rush it.
    Relax and try to enjoy the ride.

    - Gartenzw
  3. YOU ARE RETARDED

    - Darkness
  4. Usually, a person will find help through people who are healthy and available to work through it with you. But it is not necessary to do it by yourself. In fact, it may be faster and healthier to get help from people you trust and care about. If you do not trust and care about someone, it is worth trying to find someone to trust and care about. People who will support you and understand the problem you are having are a good way to find a way to improve your situation. But don’t try to do it alone because you don’t want to use a 12 step program. There are lots of good people who can be helpful and understanding in a supportive way as you work it out.

    - mike t
  5. You want help? Go to an AA meeting yourself and see what you think. I am a recovering drug addict and I attend both NA and AA meetings and work the 12-step program. You have to want help and those programs are a great way to start. NA and AA is not a cult…we are made up of people sharing a common thread—-alcoholism/addiction. We support one another and understand our problems. Try it….

    - MS BOSSY
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