Annie’s Mailbox: Alternatives to AA may appeal

Sat., April 12, 2014

Marcy Sugar and Kathy Mitchell Creators Syndicate

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).

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to anniesmailbox@ comcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 Third Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.