Like everyone else has said, you really have to want recovery in order to get it. Getting sober is one of the hardest things I've ever done, and I had multiple starts and relapses along the way before I got to even a little sobriety.

The thing about rehab is it's easy. I did an inpatient rehab and it was easy - it was safe and there was no access to alcohol, oh sure I could have smuggled in alcohol if I wanted to, but I was committed at the time. But as soon as I got out I had to deal with real life again as well as some mental health issues that were worsenning that I didn't recognize so I relapsed almost immediately and in fact my drinking got worse. It wasn't until I lost my job and landed in the hospital that I was ready to get serious.

On the subject of AA versus other recovery routes, I have somewhat mixed feelings. The first rehab I was in was purely 12 step based and we had to go to AA or N/A meetings every day. It kind of felt forced down my throat. The second treatment centre I did was totally non-12 step & it was much better for me. Partly I was more committed, but I also thought it was a better program because it talked about the biology of addiction, nutrition, recreation, and used a lot of CBT in the groups. It was also outpatient so you still had to deal with your real life after the days sessions ended. I still go back to that hospital once a week for group therapy. If your sister's current rehab has any kind of aftercare program, I'd really encourage you to encourage her to take part in it. That was and is still really important to me.

That being said. I do go to AA 2-3 times a week and I'm trying to work the steps to the best of my ability. But I do see lots of people cycling in and out of AA all the time. I try and stick with the people, and ask the advice of people with long term sobriety. But AA is a great social support network of sober people who get recovery.

My recovery also includes medical help. I take Naltrexone to help cut alcohol cravings and I take antabuse so that I'll get sick if I drink. I do that and plan to continue until I have at least a year sober, because I don't fully trust myself yet.

I do disagree with forced attendance at AA / NA meetings - I don't think it's going to do you any good unless you want what the program has to offer, that's key.

I really hope your sister makes it this time. And why don't you consider going to an Alanon meeting. I know it's associated with AA as opposed to N/A but it's supposed to be a really great support for people who have alcoholics in their lives.

Remember to take care of yourself too.

--splitimage