It sounds like you can not accept any of his suggestions. The Ativan "may" be masking the triggers that could cause a relapse. What are the downsides and side effects of Ativan? Is the therapist a PHD or MD? You have obvious concern's about this Dr's suggestions so you might get a second opinion. He just may be concerned that you have no follow up support for when you go off the Ativan. Alcoholism is almost impossible to kick for good without some back up and or support. I tried for 12 years before caving and going to AA and although I'm DEFINITELY agnostic I've been able to work around the religiosity and it is working for me.

kap.samhsa.gov/products/manuals/matrix/ppt/roadmap_for_recovery.ppt

Well in my opinion, sobriety is the change of the body mind and soul. There are many non believers who have achieved sobriety through many methods including AA -

There are other types of programs out there too that are not what people consider religious based. Many times, I don't think it's the religion that people need to seek out, but a good way to learn how to live right, to have a conscious and to do the right thing knowing they will be held accountable for wrong doings to themselves and to others - as an active addict, the behaviors are all selfish and justifible and not always the right thing.

You can review in most any program there is a similarity in the 12 steps - which does not require AA to do - it's a change in your life and your way of thinking, acceptance, forgiveness, living life on life's terms, and many times people do go to therapy to learn to handle this issues that helped them achieve destruction in their addiction. One must feel the pain to heal the pain.

Many in patient and out patient therapies have group sessions, more intense one on one therapies again helping one learn to deal with issues - i would suggest that your doctors work together regarding any medications that you maybe taking. Sometimes medication is not always the best thing for someone in sobriety, but sometimes it is, it really depends on the person and what information they have provided to their doctors for the doctor to make a decision on treatment. You'd be surprised at how many people do not tell their doctor, I am an alcoholic - they may say things like - yeah I drink a little, or one or two drinks daily, they truly never tell their doctor how much and how often they really drink (well most don't anyway) .

I had not had a drink in 10 years when I went with my now exh to his REQUIRED Drug and Alcohol Education Classes, Relapse Classes as part of conditions of his parole - it was there that I had some eye opening information provided to me. I even took it upon myself to attend 9 months of anger management classes (which by far was one of the best things I've ever done for myself) He was only required to attend 12 weeks of each of the two classes, after he was completed I continued to go to all three. I then took it upon myself to seek out Co-Dependency Counseling (and group in this was not good for me - I did find a one on one therapist for this) I also went to spirituality counseling, but that was because I was in turmoil about some other things, but it also helped me in sobriety. During his required classes our church was doing the 40 days of Purpose, which helped changed my life and many many other things.

Just not drinking is never enough - when it comes to finding happiness and peace in your life that is, this i learned the hard way. In April I will have 16 years of no alcohol - but it's been the last 6 of those years that have been the most productive.

When I put the drink down, i never picked it up again, but I did maintain a dry drunk for 10 years before I had the light bulb go off.

I did not go to AA - was encouraged many times to go. But I do believe in the steps, or some form of the steps but i don't think the only place to achieve that is at AA.

There are many here with many types of programs and methods they use, some self-created, but as you get to know everyone, you will see the similarities.....

Peace!

I too saw a therapist for the first time recently, an actual dr., who, after 15 minutes of speaking with me, told me my problem with anxiety was caused by 1) empty nest syndrome (my son is living at home), and 2) anxiety caused by my son's brain surgery 4 years ago. Well, his surgery turned out just fine, he is just fine, and so I didn't buy this dr.'s theories at all. It must take longer than that to diagnose a person based on mental issues alone, doesn't it? Maybe a second opinion is in order, a dr. that more understands and relates to you.

I agree with you for being skeptical about this DR's opinion. Many times we think because they have the title "Doctor" then they are above criticism. Suggesting in patient rehab to someone who has not drank in 3 months is pretty ridiculous in my opinion. IN patient rehab is usually suggested so someone can detox safely.

I am also wondering why he wants to take you off the anxiety medication. Did he say why? Many times people drink to excess because of anxiety issues.

He said the anxiety med acts on the same type of receptors in the brain that alcohol does and that stopping the ativan would stop stimulating these receptors. Something like that, anyway. To replace the ativan he prescribed trazodone, which I have not filled or research info on. I have appt with my PC Dr. tomorrow and don't plan on changing any meds or committing to this treatment untill I speak with her. Still may not do this thing. Only issue is that this place is the only one my insurance covers 100%. But I really think a second opinion would be worth the cost.. Thanks everyone for your input!!!

Hi Grand; I do not want to offend you.Your PC Dr sees something,your FIRST therapist sees something.God gave me 2 ears and 1 mouth,meaning I should listen twice as much as I speak...Take care

Sounds like you need a new physician. If you have managed to stay sober for 3 months then I'd say whatever you are doing is working. As a business person I find it hard to argue with success. Your physician cutting back on your meds sounds a bit like he's punishing you for daring to think for yourself and not obey his orders.

Did you ask your physician if he gets any form of compensation from the rehab center you were being referred to? As a rule, when I encounter a consulting pushing one vendor over another there is usually some kind of compensation for the consultant involved. Sounds to me like this may be what you are bumping into.

I am a religious person (Jewish). However, I know it is up to me to decide every day if I want to drink or not. It's not G-d's decision. If you don't like AA then don't go.

This is your recovery. Do what works for you and don't take **** from anyone.

John -- my PC doctor would recommend seeing a therapist to anyone who has recently quit drinking, no matter what. That is not an indication that inpatient care is warranted. Just sayin'.

Inpatient treatment for what? For alcoholism for someone who hasn't had a drink in three months? Huh? REALLY?

Makes me wonder if
1.) He has a personal agenda he is acting out of, such as his practice is built around people in intensive treatment or he has financial incentives to get people into treatment
2.) He is a psychiatrist who looks at everything based on drugs and drug interaction with physiology, not from a holistic view of wellness
3) He has no real experience with alcoholism or is just entrenched in a rigid view of what he thinks is an effective treatment plan
4) There is something in your medical record that throws up a red flag for him -- if this is the case, he should discuss it openly with you
or
5) He is an idiot. Who the hell tells someone who hasn't had a drink for three months -- "it's just a matter of time before you will start drinking again"?

I would definitely go see a different therapist.

I'm with Jersey ... try another therapist. Don't know how you found the first one, but if you know someone who could recommend one ... that might be a good place to start.

Congrats on 3+ months!!!

Thanks for all the input! I had my appt with PC Dr. today and she was VERY pleased with my lab report on the blood work! I am now in normal range on all of it! Even cholesterol and triglycerides! I was very glad to get this report. I discussed the therapy Dr. with her and the program they had suggested and she agrees that such an intense program is not warranted in my case. And also she wasn't pleased that this Dr. did not consult with her about med changes. So, I will not be going to that program. I told her about the DS website and she is going to check it out to possibly recommend it to some of her patients. Again, thanks so much for your input and hope you have a great sober day!!!!!