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    dominicadominica

    Are you afraid of an alcohol or addiction rehab?

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    Posted in Recovery Tips and StrategiesVote Up0Vote Down
    There are many people afraid of attending an inpatient or outpatient alcohol or addiction rehab. I understand anxiety, as I tend to feel more than I'd like when I do something new. I'm the kind of person who likes to know what's going to happen.... or what I can expect when I try something new.

    There are those who have had bad experiences at an addiction center. Just like anything in life, there are high quality things, and low quality things. There are high quality rehabs and low quality rehabs. This is why it is VERY important that you do your homework before deciding to attend any rehab. This is why it is important to spend time talking to specialists and staff members, asking plenty of questions.

    Addiction rehabs have value, and we need them as a society. We certainly need them to be held accountable to high standards too.

    Many rehabs have helped men and women get clean and sober, and learn some valuable skills for staying that way. As with anything, sometimes it's your perspective that helps you attain your goals. Two people can go into the same rehab and one can come out with a firm foundation for sobriety and a resolve to thrive in life. The other can come out mad as heck b/c they had an entirely different perspective (or something)....

    If you're afraid to attend an addiction rehab... that's understandable. It's new. However, rehabs can and do make a big difference in people's lives. And, I say don't throw the baby out with the bathwater (so-to-speak). Educate yourself on the ins and outs of rehabs....and if you desire to go, GO. Even if you're shaking in your shoes.... know that you will be alright once you get there and get settled in. Don't be afraid to voice your concerns....and be open about your anxiety.

    What are your thoughts on rehabs? What have been your experiences?
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    • 2 Commentsby Likes|Date
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      LeakerLeaker
      So, part my required procedures to keep my job was a 6 week out patient sort of program with peers who were in a similar situation. I had already started down the path to successfully putting the alcoholism behind me, but didn't really realize it yet. However, I would still say that there were some pros, and mostly cons, and the pros were not part of the curriculum.

      So, the bad parts were that the "guided instruction" really didn't tell us anything we didn't already know. It was just a regurgitation of the same information we have all heard hundreds of time. Alcohol is addictive. Alcohol kills your liver. Here's a chart for what "one drink" is defined as. Let's do a rough BAC calculation. By the way, there are so many factors that you can't use math to determine your BAC and if you are really good to drive. Here's the cost of a DUI, etc ect.

      The pros were a reinforcement that I wasn't alone. During the guided discussion I learned others just like me were having the same issues. Not toothless disheveled homeless people, the stereotypical alcoholics, but successful people. Hard working people. That was eye opening. The other thing that I really took away that was not on curriculum was that of the 3 other people, I was the only one that came BEFORE there was a DUI on my record. It was a humbling experience to see these people as my peers, and it really hit home how close I came to losing it all. At this same time, there was also a round of promotions at my organization, and I was picked up for one. At the same time, I found out that of all the people eligible and considered for promotions, only 3 were not selected, despite there being jobs available. Were those 3 people sitting next to and across from me the same 3 that didn't get promoted? I didn't ask, but I am pretty sure I know.

      I've talked in other posts about fear, so I won't repeat it here.

      So, what I would say is a lot of what @dominica said, that rehab isn't a square to check. It can be useful, but it's a one size fits none sort of thing. If you want to make rehab part of your recovery strategy and safety net, do the research. Find out what the program is, what they offer, and how they execute it. If you tried AA and it wasn't for you, stay away from a rehab that says, "We use Bill W's principles as a guiding instrument" or whatever. Also, keep your expectations reasonable. Don't expect a eureka moment, or that at the end of the arbitrary rehab period you will be totally "cured" and good to go. That's for Hollywood (literally and figuratively). Rehab is, I think, just another tool and step in your own journey. It might focus you, it might cage your thoughts, it might give perspective or a direction, but don't think any program will hold all the answers and be an answer on its own. That answer can only come from the individual.
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      dominicadominica
      @Leaker well said, as always. thank you for sharing your experience and insights. that surprised me that they focused on such shallow information... yuck. people need MORE than that... but glad you realized you were not alone, and could walk away grateful, and added another tool to your tool belt.

      i agree that there are various ways, techniques, paths, and it's certainly a journey... no overnight or microwave cure.. :)

      have a great evening!
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