Show Notes
For a lot of people, AA is the only recovery path they’ve ever heard of. But what happens when you walk into a meeting and it just doesn’t feel right? What if you tried it, didn’t connect with it, or couldn’t see yourself adopting the identity or structure it requires? On this episode, Julie and Steve sit down with returning guests Alexandra McRobert and Barclay Mullins to talk honestly about how to get sober without AA, what worked for them, and what to do when you need a different path. In this episode:
What each person expected AA to be and what their real experience was How to know when AA isn’t the right fit for you The pressure and identity struggles that can come with the program Why some people thrive in AA and others don’t The role of language, labels, and self-identity in recovery How to build your own recovery path without meetings Community options outside AA and why connection is still essential Internal work, spiritual practices, and tools that supported early sobriety Alternative resources like quit lit, apps, online groups, yoga, journaling, and coaching One small step you can take today if you want to get sober without AA
If you’re new here… Through the Glass Recovery is a podcast for people who want a life that feels happy and full, not miserable. We talk about emotional wellness, sobriety, self worth, and building a life you don’t wish you could escape from. Learn more about us: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com For full show notes: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/getting-sober-without-aa/
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More from No Alcohol Needed: The Podcast
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Why does someone else’s success so quickly become evidence that you’re failing? Comparing yourself to others is deeply human. We use comparison to understand where we fit, whether we belong, and whether we’re doing okay. But when comparison becomes tied to shame and self-worth, it can leave us feeling like everyone else is doing life - or sobriety - better than we are. In this episode, Julie and Steve are joined by Matt and Sean for an honest conversation about comparison, confidence, and recovery. They discuss feeling behind because of years spent drinking, comparing sober time and recovery progress, and the pressure to measure personal growth against someone who began with entirely different circumstances. They also challenge the idea that comparison is always harmful. Sometimes it can offer useful information, show us what is possible, and help us recognize what we genuinely want. The difference is whether someone else’s progress inspires curiosity - or becomes a verdict about our own worth. Together, they explore: