AA Alternatives

Hey so... I've been to AA twice now and this second time honestly made me want to drink after instead of helping at all. I personally can't get past the religious aspect to it and the cult-adjacent atmosphere. I yearn for a sober support group but get discouraged every time I'm there.

I'm like a run of the mill guy, I started drinking at 21 and didn't stop for 7 years of daily drinking but held my life together barely. Tonight there was a talk from a guy who started drinking and using drugs at 8 years old and then led a crazy and depressing life. I want to be around people that I feel like I can relate to and every AA meeting feels like it's filled with the most depressing and horrific situations, which are awful and I feel so much compassion for these people, but not a connection to them.

Has anyone found a secular, young(ish) community with people it sounds like I can relate to? I feel like I sound so fucking uppity and that's not my intention at all, I'm just so discouraged and wanting to find a group but losing willpower every time I try.

Idk if that makes any sense. If anyone wants any clarification or more about my personal story, please let me know