AboutClyde Expertise I can answer questions on the recovery from alcohol addiction as I am a recovering alcoholic with 14 years of sobriety. I can also address the spiritual aspects of the 12-Step program as I have a Master of Divinity degree.
Experience I am a recovering alcoholic with 14 years of continuous sobriety.
Education/Credentials Master of Divinity awarded in 2000 from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Question Hi Clyde. You answered my question several weeks ago about my husband who doesn't believe in "treatment." I have since decided to go into inpatient treatment following the advice of my alcohol evaluation. When I called the rehab I want to go to, I asked if they had availability and they said they did. SO I made an appt. for the following day to do an intake. This was on Friday AM. They told me I needed 72 hours sobriety, and since my insurance won't cover both detox and treatment, I decided to go through the 72 hours on my own. The plan was that I was to check in Monday, so I planned to spend the weekend with my parents who are very supportive of the situation. I had committed to myself that Thursday was my last day drinking so I would be able to start treatment on Monday. Friday evening I was informed that there wasn't going to be room available for me until Tues or Wed. Of course, I freaked out. I had planned to get through Fri, Sat, and Sunday and then be able to enter the center on Monday. I called my parents and told them I wasn't going to come up on Friday and decided to have another "final" night drinking. Today I was a wreck again, wondering how the hell I was going to do it. The weekend plan fell apart, as my parents are leaving their cabin tomorrow night to go back to work. In desperation, I called the center to see if they had any clear idea about whether it would be Tues or Wed. They said they did not know. I expressed to them my difficulty in keeping sober, not knowing when I would be admitted. My parents were expecting me to come up to their cabin tonight, and once again, I declined. I am drinking again tonight since I feel there is no sure thing I'm going to get in on Tuesday. The entire reason I'm going into in-patient is because I can't stop drinking, so it sucks that you have to have 72 hours sober before entering the program. I mentioned to you earlier that my husband is not supportive at all, so now I'm really freaked out. I've already arranged to take the month off work, and I really want to do this. I just don't know how I'm going to go through the 3 days. My doctor did give my a prescription to help with the withdrawals, but the craving to drink is still too overwhelming. Any suggestions you have are much appreciated.
Thanks,
Rebecca
Answer Rebecca,
Thank you for your follow-up. I can feel for your situation because I know what it is like to be so hooked on this thing called alcohol.
I am afraid that I have no other suggestion other than to find your Higher Power now and make fervent prayer for Him to provide you the "next right step" and the strength to carry it out. That next right step WILL NEVER be to drink.
You have much going for you in this attempt (supportive parents, work schedules, insurance) but one hurdle - the 72 hours. IT can be done. By the next right step I mean this: "God what is the next right thing for me to be doing during this next 72 hours of sobriety, what thing can you put my mind, thoughts, and activity to doing that will direct my attention away from the drink?"
You've also mentioned your insurance will not pay for detox. I suggest you reconsider whether or not you can afford to pay for the detox on your own. That may be the only thing you can do to keep you humanly away from booze.
