a big step forward

serendipitously

Greenlighter
Joined
Jun 15, 2010
Messages
23
Location
southeast usa
tomorrow i will be going to rehab.
i've been using heroin and opiates for a few years now, and trying to quit on my own has given me a pretty good idea of how powerless i am right now. i'm pretty nervous and unready for this. i've been wnating to clean up for several reasons, but was trying to quit on my own or get into an outpatient maintenance program. i know this is the first in a succesion of big steps forward that could potentially save my life, but i'm worried. are there any words of advice from fellow darksiders that could quell my anxiety? what should i expect outside of what i've read from my intake papers? as far as i know this is a pretty average inpatient 'wellness' center. any words would be appreciated, and i hope all of you fellow ds'ers are doing good too.
 
Wow hun this is so great to hear. I'm really proud of you for making this decision. It is a really scary and daunting situation to be in, but I'm sure once you're there and you've settled in and met a few people and have had your first session, you'll feel much better. I haven't been in rehab myself but it has been on the cards for me quite recently, so I really do understand your anxiety.

You'll be fine though hun, this is the right thing to be doing. I wish you the absolute best, be strong <3 <3 <3
 
If you still can, use rehab to quit it. It ruins life totally. I can't quit it anymore. I'm planning myself going to hospital to get on the Methadone Maintenance Program (it's the only way here). I've been on methadone for the past 4 months (or 5, I don't remember when I switched from bupe) but I can't pay for it forever. Many junkies get it for free because they're on the program, then sell it and buy heroin again. Totally fucked up situation.

I've always hated hospitals because of traumas from childhood. I once left hospital when I had 3 or 4 days left and then I would have my own methadone for free. I don't know how it looks like where you live. It isn't fun where I live, that's for sure. I had luck once when I shared a room with nice guys, usually most junkies there want to steal from you, even inside a hospital unit, they trade tabs and get high off marihuana or speed they get from their fellow from outside through grating in windows.

Well, I've got my thread also but maybe it deals with something else. I've actually got lost in those words 'rehab', 'detox'... Whatever. I had to make this decision because of money and a W/D after a-few-month run on methadone is worse than a week of freaking out after stopping short-acting opioid abruptly.

Good luck getting this monkey off your back!
 
Conside it a vacation from active addiction. You can learn so much in rehab and if you have finally had enough of using dugs, going to rehab will greatly improve your chances of staying lean once you get out. There are a lot of people that pick up drugs the same day they get out. If you don't want to stop using it doesn't matter how long you spend inpatient. You will likely meet some cool people who want to get clean, just as your sure to meet a few that don't want to be there and will try to bring others down with them by breaking the rules, getting high while there etc. I'd say make the most of it while you can. It can be the start of a new life fo you. Good luck.
 
Rehab is nothing to have anxiety about. I love it so much I've been back three times!

Just kidding, but seriously, rehab is an amazing place to be. Especially if it is the start of your quest for sobriety.

You will most likely have a day planned full of activities with short 20-45 minute breaks in between. You have group therapy where you discuss how you feel today, any urges for drugs etc. basically just a "get everything off your chest group". You'll usually have a recreation time where you can work out, play ping pong, or do other activities. You get three square meals a day, which were amazing in all of the facilities I've been in.

If you take the rehab seriously, it will change your outlook on your drug use. The only way to stay sober is to want it for yourself and checking yourself in is a tremendous start.
 
Agreed^^

I found rehab a serious eye opener and allowed me to grow in a way that would not have happened otherwise. Obviously it totally depends on where you go and how good the staff/other clients are for you, where are you by the way, USA?

Do you know what sort of program they run...is it 12 step, a therapeutic community, religious etc?

Where I went was a therapeutic community with an emphasis on psychodynamics and confrontation (not the violent kind mind you, more reflecting people's behaviours and attitudes back to them in a structured way).

My advice, use it as much as you possibly can and get a sense of who you are behind the addiction, however difficult that may be. Don't be too guarded. work with the counsellors and make friends.

Good luck and stay strong!
 
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