Detox Programs
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TV ClubHouse: archives: Detox Programs

Whoami

Friday, June 21, 2002 - 05:00 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I know someone (an alcoholic) who is being encouraged to go to the hospital and go through a detox program. They are reluctant because of many reasons, but one major obsticle is they don't know what to expect. How nasty can it get?

If anyone out there has been through one, or knows someone who has, can you share some experiences?

I know this is a sensitive and very private subject. I don't expect anyone to come out and say, "Yes, I've been through one." I respect your privacy. I can accept advice from aquainteces too!

I'd like to be able to show that person this site, to let them read for themself. Or, if you are too uncomfortable to post here, please e-mail me at maremoo@sprynet.com. You have my word I will keep private e-mails confidential, nobody from this board would know who I got an e-mail from.

Don't hold anything back. If it can get real nasty (bad, not naughty), this person wants to know. It's the unknown that is more frightening than the real thing sometimes.

Thanks.

Firebird05

Friday, June 21, 2002 - 05:50 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Whoami I think it depends on where they are at. As far as wanting treatment. Do they want treatment or is it being forced apon them?

I have seen alot of people go thru detox programs. Some are definitly better than others.
It can at times work for people who are truly ready to recover.

However, that being said, alot of the detox centers are just insurance mills. You get as much treatment as you have insurance.

Another problem I saw at these type of places is that not alot of progress is sustained.

It basicly is mostly group therapy with some one on one therapy. My personal experience is that it doesn't help alot of the time.

As far as the physical withdrawl process itself, it won't be pleasant for sure but those affects last a differing amount of time depending on your individual addiction level.

I think some of these programs do help but they can only help the ones that truly are ready to do it.

All in all addiction is far worse than trying to over come it. It is certainly more painful for the addicted and their family.

I hope your friend does get help and goes into it wanting the help.

Hippyt

Friday, June 21, 2002 - 08:39 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Well,Whoo,I can only speak from my experience,of course. Five months after I was married to my husband I realized he was never going to stop drinking. (He was drinking at 9 in the morning,wrecked my car,etc.) I got with his Mom and we "sent" him to rehab. Of course,he went on his own,but we basically told him all or nothing. We live in Texas,he went to Florida. For FIVE months. Two weeks after he left,I found out I was pregnant. But,nevermind,this isn't my story.
It was a tough five months for him. I truly believe he was ready to stop drinking though,he just didn't know how.
He hasn't had one drink since then,will soon be 7 years!
It can get pretty invasive,and nasty,as you put it.
And,like fruitbat says,not all are reputible. I don't buy three week,or weekend rehab for alcoholics.
If your friend wants to quit drinking,she will,that's the key. Good Luck!

Whoami

Friday, June 21, 2002 - 09:19 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
The detox I heard about is more like going to the regular hospital, and check into the psych ward, and your body is detoxed. Then it is up to the person to go to AA, or whatever.

I agree, some of those "places" that advertise big miracles are a bunch of hooey. Maybe that is what my friend is scepticle about. It sounds like the person suggesting this is more about the physical detox, than the mental.

Gail

Friday, June 21, 2002 - 09:36 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Like Firebird said - if the person is choosing to do this of their own free will, fine. IF they are being forced, then it is a waste of time.

I knew someone about 10 years ago that went to an alcohol rehab program. I think it lasted close to a month or so. Alot of it was helping her get off of the booze but also a lot of counseling to help her understand why she was drinking and how to not fall back into that trap again later. She voluntarily went into the program and then she went to AA meetings on a regular basis. THe one she did was through the military hospitals.

Juju2bigdog

Friday, June 21, 2002 - 11:38 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Husband of a person I know just went through a hospital program. Even though he has virtually no liver function and has already had several near death experiences, he does not believe he has a problem. Going through rehab was not his idea, so he got nothing out of it except the three weeks of enforced sobriety. He is back drinking.

So, Whoami, the key here for your friend is how committed s/he is to saving his/her own life. No matter how horrible it is in there, it has to be better in the long run than a life of addiction. And your friend has to see it that way, or it will not work.

Grooch

Sunday, June 23, 2002 - 08:17 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I have a cousin that used to work in admissions at a very well known rehab place, many years ago.

She had to quit because it was way to depressing for her. This place is very well known and is a private one and is very expensive and ran more like a spa than a hospital.

I do believe the people working there had the patients best interest at heart. But at the same time, there were rumors of drugs going around, people sleeping together or sneaking out, etc.

My point is, is that you and/or the people closest to your friend who needs to go to rehab, should be attending al-anon or something similiar, so they can be getting direct info from people who live in the same area, who know the best contacts to help your friend. They will be much more able to help your friend then a bunch of unknown internet people.

What is the best thing in one part of the country, may not be true in another part.

Good luck.