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How can I make rehab after work, work?

B

bcfly7x7

Bluelighter
Joined
Sep 14, 2014
Messages
209
Location
PA, USA
Ive come across a problem here and would like some advice.

I work a job that doesnt keep normal business hours, well they do but my schedule is always in flux. I have only ever been to rehab 1 time, and I made the decision to get off the prescription drugs I was prescribed.

They want me to go 4X a week, not to mention the $40 co-pay every session for about 6 weeks. IOP I guess its called.

Now not having been through this before, this seems excessive to me. 3 group meetings at 2-2 1/2 hours per session, then a family one for the same length of time. They want my wife and daughter (9), to attend. My wife, ok, but I dont think this is any environment for a 9 year old.

I digress, so the meetings are m-thus, 6-8:30. I work until 9 on monday, then work until 5:30 t-t, but I live 45 minutes away. Plus maybe another 10 to get to the group, meaning I would be late all the time. Also its quite possible I have a client arrive right before im supposed to leave and in that case I would miss altogether.

About regular treatment, not the IOP, again those meeting are Monday night as well. The individual session I could make on Thursday at 7, but there are no other group times for regular treatment. Even then, the counselor said I would be under further evaluation to see if I can even stay in the regular treatment, or be reassigned back to IOP.

Honestly, I have an open mind, but also have to work. I have NO URGE for the opiates, I dont drink. Never did any illegal drug before or after detox. I cant understand the recommendation of IOP, unless its a money thing.

Again I could be way, way off. Any help would be appreciated.

Bob
 
If you don't need it then I wouldn't go. Like you said it very well could be a money thing. I've been to out patient rehab before and they did seem very focused on the payments, and not so much the treatment. It was basically like if you did get better, good, if not they really didn't care as long as they had your money. Not saying that is definitely what is going on here, but I really don't think u need this much treatment.
 
Thanks for responding freon. The way I see it is, if you can work with me, and the options I have available, then its not really about treatment, its money. Again IMO, but I would like to try and see what at least the normal program is like, then make a decision.

Thx again.
 
In my experience a lot of IOP programs are set up with clients on probation in mind. Most of the people have no choice but to be there which explains why they can be so inflexible. The one I went to kicked you out if you missed two meetings.
 
Yea, this is what I don't get crimson, no probation here, the only explanation given is that I was on it for 7 years, so in their opinion I need IOP.

Not to mention, but since the initial interview, I have now been past off to 2 more consulars making a total of three. I left detox on the 6th of September, my first solo session isn't until the 6th of October, the same date I see the nurse practitioner. Shit by this point I should be counseling them. Really an entire month before a first session, wtf. Oh also I had to call THEM to remind them to call me.

This all tells me they don't care about me, but my money and I told the last consular that much. Man if I really was fucked up, I probably would have relapsed just having to do the work for them. So angry.

Bob
 
Keep in mind, it takes a lot of dedication and sacrifice to get clean. Things will likely have to change in life and your recovery has to come first. Does your employer know you want to attend IOP?
 
^ really good post.
Counselling has been an invaluable part of opiate detox for me.
Without it, I don't know where I'd be.

Just another point of view - your case (and the system in whatever country you live in, bob) is likely really different to me...but recovery is serious business. Your boss may be able to accommodate these sessions....there could be a lot of good there, or your suspicions may be well founded.
Keep that open mind though, it's a good thing to have :)
 
Thats just it, I dont believe I need IOP. I still have a job and havent been there for 5 weeks.

Im open to traditional OP, 2x a week. Like I said before, I have no urge to use, only detoxed 1 time and was using prescription drugs for legit medical issues.

26 days clean, no urge just the remaining paws. So why do I need IOP? Makes no sense to me.

Bob
 
spacejunk said:
^ really good post.
Counselling has been an invaluable part of opiate detox for me.
Without it, I don't know where I'd be.

Just another point of view - your case (and the system in whatever country you live in, bob) is likely really different to me...but recovery is serious business.
Keep that open mind though, it's a good thing to have :)
Click to expand...

Agreed, I live in USA, my boss is accommodating to a certain point. The mere fact I still have a job is a miracle. I agree counseling and support, but if anyone can tell me why I need IOP in my situation, im more than willing to listen. A counselor telling me well you used for 7 years as his only reason for recommending IOP seems to me at least foundless and without base or merit.

Bob
 
I will be totally honest, just with the little bit I know about what you have said I would recommend IOP (I work in the field). IOP is kinda replacing the whole 28 day inpatient deal in the US (insurance companies). Seven years is a long time to use. Have you ever been clean since you started using? If so, why did you start using again? Do you feel you can control your use?

26 days is something to be very proud of no doubt, but keep in mind you used for seven years. Also, PAWs doesn't tend to start until about 30-40 days.

Nobody can tell you what to do, but take this seriously. You have certain rights, and they would have to accommodate you. Also, I would really look at your motives and your inner voice. Mine tells me I don't need to do shit I actually need to all the time.

Please know that I am not trying to offend you in anyway
 
phactor said:
I will be totally honest, just with the little bit I know about what you have said I would recommend IOP (I work in the field). IOP is kinda replacing the whole 28 day inpatient deal in the US (insurance companies). Seven years is a long time to use. Have you ever been clean since you started using? If so, why did you start using again? Do you feel you can control your use?
Click to expand...

So thats the point here, I have chronic pain, never used ANYTHING, before or after my inital detox 31 days ago. No relapse, no urge to use or seek out illegal drugs. I only used what was prescribed, never failed a drug test, always had pills left for the monthly check. I checked myself into detox because I was tired of all of it. I got fat, lazy, missed work and felt horrible about the times I was missing with my wife and daughter.

I don't feel it, I know with blinding certainty I can. I kicked gaba, xanax, and soma myself before I checked in. I checked in because I knew I could not get off the oxy and morphine myself. I went to 7 meetings a day even through detoxification. Never missed one. I spoke up in those meetings. So thats 49 meetings. About the same they want me for in IOP.

Again, if 7 years is the only reason, considering no prior use or abuse before or after. Then I dont see why traditional OP wont help. I take no offense to your comments and appreciate them. I just dont find this as a valid or compelling reason.

Bob
 
This is a difficult situation. Aside from needing to accommodate which is true, one needs to asses the reality. It seems like the facts are the facts but also looking at priorities for personal recovery, is vital to have in place before anything else moving forward.

For the facts regarding your situation,
Have you communicated with work and/or the particular rehab (IP/IOP/OP)? I've worked in rehabs and they cannot discriminate due to work if it's a social model. It depends on where you are, the model and what you sign coming in for the sites particular rules regarding work. The Program director should accommodate somewhat for you if you show proof of your work schedule. Sometimes a site will allow alternative meetings to usual night groups if you just get a sig on a slip for your treating counselor or PD.

Congratulations on 26 days!
 
Yes I have been in contact with work, they are supportive to say the least. Problem being, im in sales and my hours are constantly in flux. I have been passed to THREE different counselors since my initial visit. I had to call all of them back as they promised to call on specific days to set something up but they never called. If this doesn't show my want to do this I don't know what else to do. There in lies the frustration, I care more then they do. Maybe this is why I doubt their assessment, if I care more then they do, how could a rational person think otherwise.

Meeting times for IOP, M- 6-8:30, I work 12-9 t-t meeting times, either the morning, cant do that or again 6-8:30, t-t I work until about 5:30-6:00, if a client comes in I can't really leave. So lets say im out by 5:45, 45 minutes to get home then another 10 or so if I go directly from work. So that puts me in 45 minutes late. They dont like that. So I have an individual session for OCT 4th, amazing to me that you (rehab after work) recommend IOP, but it takes nearly a month for the first session. Im just at a loss here.

Bob
 
Using for 7 years establishes a lot of habits and patterns, IOP is going to be recommended for the large majority of cases that have used for that long. Its a pretty significant amount of time to use. As for them not calling you back, well assesments take some time to complete. I have about a week of turnover before I offer recommendations. I have to do the assessment, write up the paperwork, decide the recommendations, bring the recommendations up to my supervisor and present them in front of staff and then make a treatment plan. That takes a bit of time with the demand for rehabilitation services.

Anyways, I am not sure who you are trying to convince here. You asked for opinions and some people offered them. I guess don't go if you don't feel it is necessary. I am assuming others in your life are telling you to go? Otherwise, I don't see why this would be an issue. Like I said earlier, what is your priority for getting clean? You just might have to miss some time I guess. Again, you have rights if you want to take them.

People who are seeing you are professionals I am assuming. They likely want what is best for you. They are going to suggest what they think you need because they are legally and ethically required to do that. Now, most places will try to "meet the client where they are at" so call them and ask what the other options are.
 
I agree phactor, I DO want to go I just dont see why I cant do normal OP vs IOP. Since you are in the field though I take your opinion highly, maybe the reason is just as simple as I was using for 7 years. Like I said, my first time going through this, and as a person who tries to look at all.sides of thing and not afraid to challenge what I think might be wrong, might make it harder to accept such a simpleton answer from a highly skilled professional. Either way, thx, ill let you know what happens. You're also.right 26 days is great, but im far from normal and now that I have a clear mind, so much stuff is going through it.

Sincerest Thanks,

Bob
 
Call them and ask them I guess. I still don't understand why they would not meet you where you are at. Nobody is forcing you to listen to what they are saying. I keep asking, is there outside pressure on you to listen to the suggestions made by the staff?

Have you been to treatment before?
 
Phactor,

To both questions no. Only the initial assessment, that was on a Friday, he told me I would be hearing from him by the following Monday, never did. Yea, I've never been offered anything close to them coming to me. Im doing this for myself and by myself, no outside pressure, because I have the desire to succeed.

Thx phactor,

Bob
 
Yes, it seems like there is outside pressure.

If that's not the case .. if you have not been in treatment prior they may be recommending a higher level of care, like IOP, especially if you've been using 7 years. IOP usually has graduations to higher levels once you fulfill the majority of the sessions which can come with more freedom in time in their program.
Hopefully they are not taking people that are mandated ... prior to you. There should be no discrimination. Staff has to sign a code of ethics.
I would just keep calling them, don't wait for them to come to you… They may have a pile of assessment sheets and/or waiting list.

It is ultimately your choice ... but how do your wife and daughter feel? Are they pushing you in one way or the other? Just curious.

Great you are taking the initiative to move forward to take care of yourself ..

Smoky :)
 
Smoky,

Simply no. My wife is very supportive so is my daughter, they know im doing this for them and myself. Not one person in my life is pressuring me besides myself. This is the honest to god truth. They are just so happy that im getting better and support any decision I make, whether that is to attend OP or not. They know I have no urge to use again. I keep my wife fully up to date with what is going on. Never once has she told me to go to OP. I myself want to, so I can learn and talk. I have a one on one on the 8th, so we'll see what they say then. Hope that defined your question.

Thanks,

Bob
 
Personally, I would be too tired after working a full day to get much out of the after hours rehab, but your mileage may vary.
 
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