Annie’s Mailbox: Alternatives to AA may appeal
Sat., April 12, 2014
Dear Annie: I enjoy reading your column and agree with most of your advice, including your recommendations when it comes to handling alcohol addictions and binge drinking.
I do not work in this field, but I’ve seen alternatives to AA that may be more palatable to some who are seeking assistance. Would you print this information, too? – Albany N.Y.
Dear Albany: We actually have printed alternatives to AA in the past and are happy to do so again. Whatever helps. We recognize that some people are not comfortable with 12-step programs or those mentioning a “higher power,” and others are searching for something more specifically tailored to their needs. So here are a few suggestions:
Moderation Management ( moderation.org); Hams (Harm Reduction, Abstinence and Moderation Support) at hamsnetwork.org; Smart Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) at smartrecovery.org; Rational Recovery ( rational.org); Sober Recovery ( soberrecovery.com); SOS (Secular Organizations for Sobriety) at sossobriety.org; LifeRing ( lifering.org); Women for Sobriety ( womenforsobriety.org).
We realize this list doesn’t include everything, so readers can find more resources through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ( samhsa.gov) at 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357).
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