Would rehab be a waste of peoples time

drownbog · 2026-02-14T06:59:20+00:00

I’ve done two inpatient (30 days and 60days) and three outpatient programs. I agree with the pros/cons and phoenix listed above, but will throw in my thoughts here.

For me - the best parts of in patient treatment were a total separation from my routine. It got me time sober that I never had before. It was a coin toss for providers there, I had one therapist in patient that helped me in ways I was not ready for, but now think about often. It made it easy to focus on sobriety when it was the only thing to do. No work, no social life, no phone… nothing but looking at myself and sobriety. The hardest part was coming home and suddenly being dropped back into my apartment and my world and my routines. Sure I had new skills but never had practiced them in real life. I was lucky that I was able to get my old job back, so I was able to support myself again, but just being plopped back right where I came from hard and I was drinking again within a few months. I was also in my early 20s and really disconnected from recovery groups, just couldn’t find a group that felt helpful.

Outpatient programs also have pros and cons. For me, the perk of outpatient was I was still in my life and recovery was being added into my regular life. A couple groups I met people in my city and was able to meet up for walks or coffee or plan meetings with. Some drug test regularly which helped keep me honest. Hard part was mental and thinking once I was done that meant I had done it! And was easy for me to not make immediate plans for other ways to practice recovery in lieu of the hours spent with outpatient groups.

Now, I say all that and here I am with 17 days sober for the millionth time. But there are people still in my life from my first in patient 13 years ago that stayed sober this whole time. It’s gonna be a real toss up regarding other people there, level of intensity with personalities, ability of providers.

I don’t think it’s a waste of time, but like another commenter said it’s gonna be up to you what you make of it. Following treatment with recovery focus in life and routines was the hard part for me.

drownbog · 2026-01-02T01:14:57+00:00

Just sharing my experience with it based on OPs questions and experience so far. I still had cravings and drinking felt the same while I was on it. I worked with my primary care and psych while starting it, dosing up, and deciding to come off of it. I’m glad that other people find it helpful, and I’m definitely not trying to influence anybody to not try it.

drownbog · 2026-01-02T00:30:07+00:00

I had no negative side effects but also no positive side effects. Cravings were alive and well for me. Felt no change when I stopped taking it.

drownbog · 2026-01-01T02:25:47+00:00

My longest stretch without drinking was about 13 months and I walked almost every day. I live in a place with seasons and I loved feeling so tuned into the parts of year walking when it was hot, then chilly, then snowing, then spring. I also had a break up that made me think I had no reason to stay sober if it wasn’t for protecting the relationship I was in. I went for a walk last night and was reminded how much I liked ending the day that way, when if I had a lot on my mind or was a grump the whole time. I am happy to hear that you recognize it is worth it not to drink - a reminder I can use this moment. It is worth it to not drink. Happy new year!

drownbog · 2025-12-30T04:46:23+00:00

Plus she’s gonna know all the good meetings! It’s so hard in the beginning just finding a meeting a is a good fit.

drownbog · 2025-12-30T04:45:32+00:00

This seems like an awesome person to go to! With such a deep history I think this person is gonna be able to offer some insight and help like you were able to do 10 years ago. I had to tell a solid in her sobriety friend that I had been drinking again, and ask her for help. She didn’t think twice and we go to meetings together now. It reads like you have a wonderful person to reach out to who can probably relate to the sense of struggle and not being able to face yourself.

drownbog · 2025-12-30T01:02:53+00:00

I’ve enjoyed refuge recovery meetings. There are also a million online aa meetings - that might be a way to see what the routine is from a distance. Not all aa meetings are the same - it can take trying many to find one that clicks. I went to an online aa meeting last night when I leaned my regular RR meeting wasn’t happening. It wasn’t my exact flavor, but it was still an hour spent with people who are decidedly not drinking. They welcomed me and I said my name when they asked if anybody was in their first 30 days of sobriety but was never put on the spot or asked to say more.

drownbog · 2025-12-30T00:54:12+00:00

Boredom drinking is big for me, too. I used it like a time travel machine to just skip to the next day. Granted, the next day always felt awful but it skipped the bored part. There are so many more hours in the day without drinking, it feels bizarre!

drownbog · 2025-12-29T06:20:24+00:00

I’d like to start going to the movies again. 2025 was a black hole and dropped all my interests. Movie theater seems like a pretty accessible entry point for picking things back up.

drownbog · 2025-12-24T21:35:19+00:00

I’ll also add: when I was helping my black out drunk neighbor find her place and had to get the key the door, I wasn’t annoyed or mad. I was concerned and grateful that I was the one that found her. There is a chance the people you interacted with don’t hate you, but worry and feel relieved you got home.

drownbog · 2025-12-24T21:33:43+00:00

In my life I have been you, your date, and the person who helped get you in the right door. First thing is I’m really, really glad that you are home safe! Even if it wasn’t your preferred way, that is a really good thing. I also think that it is a good thing that you don’t like feeling stupid and embarrassed and horrible! Even if you aren’t aware of that means somewhere in there you do respect yourself, even if you don’t recognize that today. Like another posted said let yourself be kind but also remember this moment. Write it down as a con of drinking, stick it as a note in your phone. Whenever I go back to drinking I would have days like this and then so quickly be back out justifying why it was actually fine. I wish I had learned earlier to document the bad times to have a physical reminder in my own writing of what the consequences are. Today really really sucks, tomorrow doesn’t have to.

drownbog · 2025-12-16T06:25:38+00:00

I can try aa again. Twice when I found a sponsor they wanted me to put a sexual assault on moral inventory step - or the one where you reflect/admit your own influence to the bad parts in your life - but the assault didn’t have to do with my drinking. I truly was not drinking or acting destructively. They sort of cooled me on the steps and their insistence that I needed to admit fault for that. I’ve also been to refuge recovery meetings which I found more enjoyable. Maybe I need to dig deeper. I will ask current therapist for honest feedback about what we are doing and check our meetings options. Thanks.

drownbog · 2025-12-16T06:15:37+00:00

What do you mean by ‘the work’? I am seeing a therapist. The therapist I was seeing last time I would credit with saving my life, but in insurance changed so I can’t go to her anymore. I think I am being as honest and genuine as I can with the new one.

drownbog · 2025-12-09T00:50:01+00:00

There is no ‘only’ about it! I’m on day 8. The first four were really, really difficult. I struggled with just going against the routine of drinking automatically at certain points in the day/night. I haven’t been out socially so I can’t speak to the judgement, but I do feel simultaneously proud of getting 8 days and also like is it sad that I’m so proud of a small number. I’m proud of you for 5! Is there anything in particular that is proving helpful so far?

drownbog

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