When AA Doesn’t Work: What Comes Next?By Michaela

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a well-known support group for individuals struggling with alcohol dependency. However, there are times when AA may not be the right fit for some individuals. In these cases, knowing where to turn next can be difficult. The Alcohol Coach’s program offers an alternative approach to overcoming alcohol dependency.

AA’s 12-step program is not tailored to each individual’s unique needs and circumstances. This can make it difficult for some people to fully engage with the program and achieve lasting recovery.  The Alcohol Coach’s program addresses this issue by providing a personalized approach to treatment. Each client works with a coach who develops a customized plan that considers the individual’s specific needs, goals, and challenges.

AA’s main focus is on abstinence as the only goal of treatment, and for some people, complete abstinence may not be realistic or desirable. Often this approach relies on willpower, shaming and blind faith in a higher power to hold sobriety in check. The Alcohol Coach approach is empowerment, and reprogramming subconscious conditioning, so that the desire for alcohol is gone.

AA also has a lack of follow-up care, which can make it difficult for individuals to maintain their progress in the long term. The Alcohol Coach’s program addresses this issue by providing ongoing coaching and support. Clients work with their coach to develop a plan to maintain their progress after completing the program.

The final way that AA is actually harmful and prompts people to look for an alternative to AA is that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and limiting beliefs, claiming that alcohol dependency is not a choice and is a disease. These are key pillars of its recovery training. It also uses terms like alcohol addiction and alcohol use disorder to continue the thought that individuals struggling with alcohol have no control over their consumption.

It’s important to remember that when AA doesn’t work, it’s not the end of the road. There are still options available, and working with a coach can be a powerful way to overcome alcohol dependency. The Alcohol Coach’s program offers a personalized approach that addresses each individual’s specific needs and challenges with a smart recovery path. With the right coach, achieving lasting recovery and a healthier, happier life is possible.

What The Alcohol Coach Offers With Alternatives to AA

The Alcohol Coach aims to help individuals make sense of the alcohol conundrum by providing accurate information and education about addiction and helping them understand their relationships with alcohol. 

By understanding the underlying causes of their dependency, individuals can develop the skills and strategies they need to overcome it.

When individuals understand the underlying causes of their dependency and how they can fix it through self-management and recovery support that engages in moderation management and accountability, they can better understand the triggers and situations that contribute to their addiction and develop strategies to avoid or manage them.

A Simple Shift in Mindset Can Change Everything

One of the most powerful tools for overcoming alcohol dependency is a shift in mindset. This means changing the way you think and feel about alcohol and recognizing that it is not something you need to function or be happy.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to shift your mindset is to focus on the present moment. Instead of dwelling on past regrets or worrying about the future, take the time to be mindful of the present. This can include paying attention to your thoughts and emotions and observing how alcohol affects them. As you become more aware of the impact alcohol has on your life, it becomes easier to recognize that it is not necessary for your well-being.

It’s important to also realize that alcohol dependency is not a moral failure or a personal weakness but rather a medical condition that requires professional help and support. It’s also important to understand that there is no shame in seeking help and treatment and that it’s a brave and courageous step towards recovery and a healthier, happier life.

How This Affects High-Achieving Women

A simple yet effective shift in mindset when it comes to alcohol is to change the way you perceive it. Instead of viewing alcohol as a necessary crutch or a means to cope with stress and emotions, view it as something optional and not essential to your well-being. This shift in perception can help individuals recognize the negative impact alcohol has on their lives and make it easier to cut back or quit altogether.

Another mindset shift is to focus on the present moment and be mindful of the physical and emotional effects alcohol has on the body and mind. This can help individuals become more aware of the impact alcohol has on their lives and how it affects their relationships, goals, and overall well-being.

Additionally, changing the way you think about seeking help is important. Instead of viewing seeking help as a sign of weakness or failure, understand that it’s a brave step towards recovery and a healthier, happier life. It’s important to seek professional help and support to overcome alcohol dependency, and it’s not something that can be done alone.

The Truth About Alcohol, Guilt, Remorse, & Anxiety

High-achieving women may fall into the alcohol trap for a variety of reasons. Some may turn to alcohol to cope with stress and pressure from demanding careers, relationships, or family responsibilities. Others may have developed a pattern of using alcohol to relax or unwind after a long day.

For high-achieving women, it may be difficult to recognize that they have a problem with alcohol, as they have been able to maintain their professional and personal responsibilities while drinking. They may also be in denial about the negative effects of alcohol on their lives and may not see the need for help.

One of the factors that can keep high-achieving women trapped in alcohol dependency is the societal pressure to be successful and to have it all together. High-achieving women may feel like they need to be in control and have everything figured out, making it difficult for them to admit that they need help.

High-achieving women need to understand that alcohol dependency is a medical condition and that seeking help is not a failure but a courageous step toward recovery and a healthier, happier life. By recognizing why they may have fallen into the alcohol trap and addressing the factors that keep them there, high-achieving women can overcome alcohol dependency and regain control of their lives.

Editor’s Note:

In this article, you might notice that we use ‘labels’ such as “alcoholic”, “disease”, and other identifiers that are used to link individuals together by their habits with alcohol. Though they are used colloquially, we believe them to perpetuate limiting beliefs.  

A key tenet of The Alcohol Coach is that the way to overcome alcohol addiction is through empowerment, not retreating into a space of powerlessness or victim status. 

So, even though we may use these terms to communicate a point as it is known by the general public, keep in mind that our core beliefs dictate that these terms be avoided as much as possible.