Are meetings mandatory?

Does anyone not do meetings or some sort of support group?

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Not I, personally, but I do know people that do and are successful. Find what fits- for my sister it was gym, church, a new job and deep self work with a therapist. Me, meetings, groups, friends… I like being around people.

Whats your thoughts bout recovery without support groups?

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:person_raising_hand: I tried and it made things worse for me. I needed true REST and reset early in recovery and that looked like slowing things WAY the fuck down. Reading more, lots of puzzles… lots of puzzles. Coffee dates with a few friends, connecting here and there with a mentor, therapy… But yea Im a big advocate for support groups but also dont believe they are for everyone.

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I’m a meeting person. But, it’s def not mandatory. People find recovery in lots of ways. One of my good buddies who has been sober a long time and has a very full life, came to meetings for about a year then joined a Jiu Jitsu and never came back, but would still join us for fellowship sometimes. He comes back on his anniversary once in a while and when they say “How’d ya do it!?” He says, “Jiu-Jitsu & ice cream!” My take is it’s important to fill our lives up with some meaningful stuff and explore new avenues for enjoyment. That not getting fucked up leaves a pretty big hole in our calendars. :wink:

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“Jiu-Jitsu & ice cream!” thats awesome

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I am here to share only my experience, and it may or may not apply to others. I have found that I am a survivor, and God the Father carries me through every experience I have had that would essentially take me out of life, had I not surrendered to His Will each day. I got sober in Feb. 2019. I attended meetings, worked through all of the steps, twice, and had a (weak) support system in AA. The other people in my life, my family and friends not in AA were also somewhat of a support, but none was all too great. All of a sudden we were hit with the pandemic. In-person meetings were shut down. I spent most of my time in isolation, some online meetings, but for the most part, I hardly hit a meeting and I began to dive inward, and it was then that I truly sought God. I prayed, a lot. I began spending more time with family, going on vacations, believe it or not, and attending college. While no support I had was that great, it was what I needed. I was shining as a college student, and I had the means to go places, the beach mostly, camping and a bit of hiking. A few trips were alone. I began to enjoy life like I never had before. I ‘woke up’ and life became meaningful. I looked forward to the future and often repeated the phrase, “I trust you God, and I believe in you”, as I navigated uncharted territory in life alone. Today, I go to meetings once in a while, just for sharing, kicks, and connection. I never judge people who feel like they will relapse without a meeting. I am grateful I have God, who holds me up on the daily. I don’t attend church, I just talk and pray to God. I still have to say, “I trust you, God, and I believe in you.” on the regular. People can be hurtful, myself included. I tend to isolate more as I realize that I am at Peace with life, and God has given me much. In 2023 my RN license was restored from a suspension in 2012. In July, I bought my first home. I have a garden out front, I am building a garden shed, and I continue to work on me. Particulary building healthy boundaries. I never respected others’ boundaries or my own. Today, I know I am worth the respect, and others are too. I give as I receive. I praise God, and I mind my own business. In January, I will be taking my second cruise in recovery. One day, I hope to find that special someone to love on earth and hit the cruise ships with. I am honored to live this life that God has provided for me. Many did not get the chance. I respect the fact that I am who I am and that part of me, the monster on drugs and alcohol, will never go away. But I have stepped away from that person, and I look forward. I no longer look back, feeling sorry for what I have lost, but looking forward and living in the moment for what God has given me. I don’t recommend anyone to not attend meetings. I just believe that they are not a necessary part of my sobriety. Dealing with our demons from the past is absolutely necessary. For me, God is absolutely necessary. Without God, I am not able to live sober. I trust and believe in God. I hope that you find your path, and it is as beautiful as mine has been. No fairy tale here, living life on life terms…

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I started off going in my early recovery but I did not continue. Have almost 7 years now!

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