Addiction to Alcohol/AA

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Expert: - 3/23/2010


Question
Todd
I would like to take steps to deal with my drinking. One step after going sober of course is to attend AA meetings.
This is a problem for me as I am a shift worker and most of the meetings in my area occur while I am working.
Do you know of any online or other types of support groups that dont involve attending the meetings.
Also, can you reccomend any reading, apart from the my name is Bill 12 step stuff? Maybe something a bit more modern?
Also could you comment on my particular issue?
I can go for weeks-months even without a drink, or just one or two-totally 'normal'.
Then for some reason unknown to me, after a couple drinks I feel the 'need' to drink myself to oblivion.
THanks agin for your help.

Answer

Beverley Glazer MA. IC
Hi Van:

Bev here -- not Todd

AA online may be helpful for you.  Meetings are set times, but the schedule may be more convenient. Check the site:

http://www.aaonline.net

For a non AA model, have you heard of Rational Recovery? They have Smart Recovery meetings.

You'll get a different perspective by reading 'The Small Book' by Jack Trimpey. This model is based on the rational recovery model pioneered by Albert Ellis.

Regarding your question about going for weeks/months without drinking, only a complete alcohol assessment, could give you an accurate  answer, but cognitive therapy with an addiction specialist would be beneficial. Here's how it works.

http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com/cognitive_techniques.html

Find an addiction counselor who uses cognitive behavioral techniques, this will help you handle the stressors without resorting to drink.

I hope this information was helpful,

Thank you for asking AllExperts,

Also this question was sent on the 23rd and only entered the question pool today. I always report glitches in the system and this has been reported.

All the best,

Bev
http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com  

Beverley Glazer

Expertise

I can answer questions on all addictive behaviors: alcohol, drugs, food, compulsive sex, codependency, gambling, compulsive shoplifting etc.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience working in the addiction field. My experience extends to all levels of substance abuse. I've worked in rehabs and detox centers, prisons and half-way houses and have a busy private practice as well as an active website where I can be reached for recovery coaching and consultation. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist, but 12-step programs are an excellent support. When working in the addiction field, there is no cookie-cutter solution. In the recovery field, you witness miracles. That's why I love what I do.

Organizations
NAADAC The Association for Addiction Professionals, CACCF Canadian Addiction Counselors Federation, CCA Canadian Counseling Association, For more information please see: http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com

Education/Credentials
BA Psychology, MA Counseling Psychology, ICADC International Alcohol and Drug Counselor, ICAC International Clinical Addiction Counselor, CGC Certified Gambling Counselor.

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