It is not "your" programme that's not working, it's you who is not working your programme - either through lack of information about what you suffer from, poor sponsorship or a lack of willingness to go to any lengths.

Whatever route you choose people can only guide you and share their experience of how it worked for them. Nothing will get you sober with less than 100% effort on your part and, depending on how far into alcoholism you have slid, dependence upon a Power greater than yourself. No-one can do it for you.

Personally, I gained very little from treatment, so can't really comment on that aspect.

You could stop working your program and begin working "the" program of AA.
On the other hand I can understand that a treatment program sounds tempting. If I was going that route I would probably drink and then do the inpatient thing. I have been once in a psychiatric university clinic (nuthouse) for 3 months and it was quite interesting in there (not because of my drinking drinking, though). I've learned a lot about mental diseases, the effects of electroshocks on screwed people and side effects of medications. It's kinda funny when you see patients "walking" and can tell which meds they're on. I remember standing outside smoking and a guy told me he was there because of his drinking and how sorry I felt for him.

I have not gone to treatment either, but I commend your willingness to try anything to get (and stay) sober. I know it must be scary for you, but try to keep in mind how much better life can be without alcohol and/or drugs.

Good luck to you, darling...you can do this!

Sending peace and love to you! ~Laura

I am glad your taking more action. There is nothing wrong with in treatment, Just get extra time for you. I also think you should reread what gailly wrote he might have a small but very good point...
PEACE,MARK

P.S. Gailly was just kidding you made a great point

howtolive,

If you can get through a week without drinking and going into DT's, then why do you need treatment?

I paid a $1,000 co pay for the treatment center to take me to AA. That's where I got "treatment" for my alcoholism. I got more outside help later but sobriety had to come first. And why are they waiting so long?

If you have re-read post #1 and are still wondering I would read it again.

I doubt many will be able to put it any better.

btw...it applies to all of us.

Thanks G.

prayers to ya OliveOil

Ditto to Gailly HTL. When I read your post, Reply #1 opening comment was the first thing that came to mind. Working the program, no selectiveness (I tried that, sponsor picked me up good) and I listened to that good guidance. Be searching, fearless and honest and work at what's blocking the sunshine from coming in.

"The way you are is NOT the result of what has happened to you, it's the result of what you decide to KEEP INSIDE of you."

All, I was teasing about "my program". If I had had a good program that I was working I wouldn't be having as much trouble. I didn't say that right.

I think AA is great and I am upping the ante. I NEED to WORK the program for it to help. I have not been giving AA a chance to work.

As far as "treatment" Dianna, it is outpatient. I'm not sure what it entails besides intense group therapy 3 nights a week for 3 hours each night. They are making me wait because, to go in now they want partial hospitalization. Would require I take short-term disability to get out of work. I agree about the need for "inpatient" - for people who can't get sober or who need medical detox. I can get sober without much detox. I just need some longer term help to stay sober. This IOP will go 4-8 weeks.

Wow, not feeling too encouraged to spend the money now.

Thanks.

I think an intensive outpatient program sounds like a great idea!

From what I can see, you really want to get and stay sober, but you've been having trouble. Obviously, this isn't a *news flash* You have a strong personality (this is a good thing) and the intensity of the outpatient program might be just the help you need.

Go for it!

Encouragement coming. You will get what many don't.

Education as regards the physical aspects of addiction/alcoholism.

Education as regards the psychology of addiction/alcoholism.

Counseling from (some) individual counseling to group therapy.

They will give you structure and hold you responsible for yourself.

The course will probably do a lot about feelings. Recognizing them and learning to deal with them. Keep in mind there is no safer place to be honest about everything.

Depending on the type of Center it is you will probably get an introduction to the first three step. An in depth look. They will also tell you that you should find a sponsor and to let the sponsor know your in treatment. If the sponsor says you don't need treatment just AA thank them politely and walk away. The program MAY have you work the first 3 steps but should tell you that if your sponsor is a good one they will start you over at one when you finish the program.

Knowing you (from what DS offers) I would tell them straight up you don't want a counselor that will be easy. Tell them you want an Old School counselor. One that won't pull punches and will tell you like it is. And one last thing. Treatment is NOT recovery. It gives you a solid foundation to build on. The day it ends you won't graduate, It will be more like commencement. To graduate means you finished. To commence means to start.

And yes I went to treatment twice. The first time forced by threat. The second one week to the day after leaving the first and 2 days in jail. I went because I knew I would die if I didn't. They gave me the means to face myself and to face God. I had to do the work.

Thank you nodp. That was the validation I needed. I feel better about it now. Was starting to question my decision. I'll give it a go with that encouragement.

Be prepared you are going to learn about yourself, it's awesome, I liked the outpatient intense therapy.

The gains you will get will be up to you, what you put into it, if you work hard and put alot into it, you will get alot out of it. enjoy!

IOP just may help. I'm glad you're taking action!

I can't give you any treatment insights but I do want to say how happy I am and hope you feel really good that you ARE doing everything you can. I believe you are proving to yourself that you are serious in your quest for sobriety and I can only wish you all the best on your journey.