Posted by ClearSkies on November 9, 2007, at 14:49:06
In reply to Re: Judgemental alcoholics, posted by oldschool305 on November 9, 2007, at 13:37:36
I read your posts above and boy, can I relate to how you're feeling. And my experiences with AA were similar (except I tried and tried, different meetings, different cities, even after I moved across country), being terribly triggered and being worse off after than I was before.
Try Googling the Women For Sobriety organization - I think they have an online form or a number to call and they contact you via snail mail about the closest local meeting to you. They also have a chat forum you can use.
I can also tell you what helped me, ultimately: I entered an intensive outpatient treatment, which was 6 weeks of 6PM to 9PM, Monday through Thursday, basically of group therapy, with other people battling substance abuse issues in various stages of recovery. This was covered by my insurance. I also went on Campral (acamprosate) which removed the physical cravings and did not interfere with my other medications, for a year and a half. I continued with my individual therapy, to this day. You might say that I put all the guns possible on my recovery - this particular combination is what has worked for me. I've been sober now for 2 years and 2 months. I wish I had a dollar for every person I met in AA who told me that "theirs" was the only way I'd be able to do it. The damage to my already low self esteem was severe. But I've recovered from that, too.
Good for you for reaching out here. I think Babble is a great place to get support. I hope that you find it a valuable resource.
Take care,
ClearSkies
poster:ClearSkies
thread:793052
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20070626/msgs/794136.html