Rehab? Help please (long)

[binghampton]

I don't really know where to post this so I figure why not TDS.

Anyways history is I am compulsive gambler, drinker, and slight addiction to drugs.

I go to a councilor weekly. I go to meetings for gambling. I am 3 weeks without gambling. I am 5 days without a drink. I am 2 weeks without abusing drugs (drugs aren't really a big problem addiction wise atm).

Basically I just went through a massive alcohol detox at my moms house. I am feeling great now but I told her the truth about everything. The detox was awful and I hallucinated, my mind basically melted and I couldn't think, my vocabulary was lost, and I had insomnia along with all the other fun symptoms.

I began calling my friends telling them I am quitting drinking and can know longer hang out with them while they drink. I a while ago deleted all my gambling contacts and feel I have somewhat of a grip over that addiction. Drugs unless there is a massive sale I have no problem staying away.

Anyways 2/3 of my main family members want me to go to rehab. I am willing to go without a fight if the third joins in. However will it really help me (I know it won't hurt me)? I see councilor weekly and I know my basic mental issues and he helps me with life skills. I am not detoxing. I have no current urges (though I no they will come for alcohol as I walk past bars everyday). I got a lot out of the group I went to for gambling and plan to start going to one for drinking. I do not have a job and am on the hunt for one as we speak so my life will be more structured. I have the will at the moment to quit everything and get my life on track. My main prior vice before was friends who I have now told I cannot see if they are fucking around and am not afraid to end a friendship for my well being.

What I am asking is in your opinion will rehab benefit me? I have school starting in another province in August and have all the payments in so I can't miss it. What more aside from being away from anyone who is negative towards me will rehab do. My own family drinks so if I come out of rehab and have to cut ties (not sure if that is common practice) I will just be isolated.

Sorry for being so long. Thanks for the suggestions

 

[lasthurrah19]

Hi. I've never been to a 'pure' rehab, so to speak, but I think I can offer some advice. Feel free to ignore it.

I can't comment on what they will have you do specifically, as they're all different - but I can tell you one thing. They can't 'make' you do anything once you leave, including cutting ties with your family or anyone else. That is your decision. Honestly, they can recommend something, but if you say no, they need to help you with a plan when you are around family that drinks. Anything else is not conducive to your recovery. I can't say they won't try to pressure you, but that's not what rehab should be about. Especially with a drug like alcohol; there is literally no way to completely avoid it unless you stay in your house 24/7, and don't use the internet, radio or TV (you could see or hear an advertisement for alcohol!).

Another option is an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Usually they last 3-5 hours a day five days a week (but they all have different rules on how long and often you have to go, at least a minimum commitment anyhow), and are run by a psychiatric hospital or rehab. There is such a thing as 'dual diagnosis', which is a group for people with addiction issues and a mood disorder (depressive disorders, bipolar disorders) - however if you don't have a mood disorder, there should be strictly addiction programs as well. Assuming you live in Canada, I'd imagine there are many of these available. If you live somewhere else, there is probably some equivalent.

No matter what you choose, or even if you just go to outside meetings, you will always have a person or group of people (perhaps a rotating cast) who are still using and it's really easy to get sucked into such an obvious person to score and/or use with (or for a gambling buddy). Such is life. Just saying, be careful. Good luck.

 

[Nib]

Well just to give you my personal experience, I went through a 28 day in-patient rehab, and I would rather O.D then go back.

My main problem was not being allowed to listen to music, that woulda really helped me get through it, but nope.

I drank the day I got out. Ended up getting addicted to opiates again (Oxy for rehab, got addictied to PPT).

As you said you haven't had any drugs in a 5 days, I don't think you need re-hab. Counseling should be enough, or possibly out-patient rehab if you have the urge to relapse. Hell maybe even AA meetings will help you with that.

Just my 2¢

 

[binghampton]

Well I came home and my brother wouldn't talk to me. Finally I come out to where hes sitting playing video games. I asked him what was the reason he wanted me to go to rehab rather than some outpatient program or meetings. He said it was so I wouldn't just sit around. I explained I was going to get a job and wtf do people do other than hump a crappy job come home be with friends and family. He said he didn't have an answer but he said if I came out a better person what did I have to loose. Him feeling this strongly I agreed to go.

Still would appreciate thoughts and comments on the whole thing.

 

[Georgie25]

Well just to give you my personal experience, I went through a 28 day in-patient rehab, and I would rather O.D then go back.

My main problem was not being allowed to listen to music, that woulda really helped me get through it, but nope.

I drank the day I got out. Ended up getting addicted to opiates again (Oxy for rehab, got addictied to PPT).

As you said you haven't had any drugs in a 5 days, I don't think you need re-hab. Counseling should be enough, or possibly out-patient rehab if you have the urge to relapse. Hell maybe even AA meetings will help you with that.

Just my 2¢

Sounds like you weren't committed to quitting if you let something as simple as not being able to listen to music be your excuse for not following through with the program.

5 days isn't nearly much time away from any addiction to justify not needing rehab BTW.

OP: If you've tried every other avenue available (AA, counseling, medication) then I dont see any reason why rehab would hurt. It sounds like you and your family think and know it's a good idea and can only help so why not give it a shot?

 

[Dr.kush]

omg im going to a 30 day program too, and music helps me soo soo much and i think i can listen to it when i go either!

OP, i feel the same way im not sure if i need rehab, but everyone says i do. that proly because i shoot heroin but idk....

 

[Chaos23]

If you have to go to a rehabilitation center, I would highly recommend St. Judes Retreat.

I went there, and I worked there for 3 years. It not only saved my life, but it was FUN. The food was awesome, and the people are all nice. They don't teach the typical 12 step bullshit.

It is more of a social educational program that empowers the individual to change their ways.

I no longer work there, and I do party now again. But I am no longer a bottomed out heroin junkie or crack head. It changed my life for the better.

HIGHLY recommended.