today - after what seems like a continuous 5 month binge, my girlfriend and i decided (again) that we have to stop. I've been down this road before and i really just need some encouragement from anyone. I've been to AA before, but have mixed feelings about going back. Does anyone know any good altenative to AA? What about online resources or forums? Does anyone know of any good online meetings? If so please reply here.

thx!
d

What are your mixed feelings of AA?  Bc I started with my boyfriend about 3 months ago and it's helped us so much.  Are you maybe going to a program that doesn't fit well with your recovery?  We sort of shopped around first before we settled on a Christian based program.  Some of the meetings are actually really fun and you can meet so many interesting people. 

i was in a program before about 2 years ago. i went to several different aa meetings and met some cool people, but as i kept going the i guess i got a little disillusioned by the whole thing. some people that went were actively drinking. most of the people i knew going into it weren't there when i left. just things like that. there were definitely some good things about it, though.

the power greater than myselk bit was hard for me to. i never got a sponsor or started on steps. but i read a lot and went to 90 meetings in 90 days and lasted about 100 or so i guess. i'm considering going back, but was just curious about alternatives. maybe secular? and also interested in other online groups like this.

Well, maybe it'd be better for you to keep your recovery and church seperate.  But nearly all of the twelve-step programs include a recognition of a higher power.  But I can't stress enough to you, that prayer and church is what got me sober and still does today.  I moved up to a leadership position at my church and I've learned to have fun/connect with sober people.  I've been to those programs where everyone just talks about how f***** up they got the night before and I just learned to never take them seriously. 

You can always keep messaging on this website. My friend refered me to it. They also have counselors that you can message, and honestly this is better for me because I feel more secure when the person I'm talking to doesn't know who I am and I'm not embarassed to talk about my problems. But I also suggest staying in alcohol free enviorments, when your around it your just going to want it more. and it makes recovery harder I'm sure you know that. Since its both you and your wife going through this recovery I suggest also getting some external support, maybe a parent or a best friend. Someone who is there to watch out for you. Keep talking to people online too, especially people who have been there and done that, I think they provide the best advice.

AA and  prayer has kept me sober for 4 years now.'Getting ' your higher power can take some time but I believe it is essential to staying sober.I go to meetings and like you there are things I don't like about the meetings but the program does work.I am very new to this site and therefore don't have an informed opinion on it.I don't think online meetings can replace face to face meetingsI am going to get more involved with this site I am going to a meeting tonight because I think its in my better interest although I often find it hard to motivate myself to do so.I am not sure why its so hard to motivate myself Problably its one of the symptoms of my disease

Tower I think once you start seeing results, then you'll be a lot more motivated to go.  Stay open-minded and let the meetings impact you.  Sometimes I don't feel like going, but once it's over, I'm always so glad that I went.  Good luck everyone, I'm new here, it's nice to meet you ppl!

ninja_777 said: today - after what seems like a continuous 5 month binge, my girlfriend and i decided (again) that we have to stop. I've been down this road before and i really just need some encouragement from anyone. I've been to AA before, but have mixed feelings about going back. Does anyone know any good altenative to AA? What about online resources or forums? Does anyone know of any good online meetings? If so please reply here.

thx!
d

I dont think you should stop attending those meetings, its better if you go even if you dont want to and you dont think it's helping you it could be influencing you in ways you dont notice. Try also psychologists, maybe on this site too. I think I would do that. Stay on forrums like these that way if your going through a tough time at home and you want to use someone here could motivate you not to and a motivatioin helps a lot. Good luck I hope you stay sober.