Support Systems

Last few days haven't been good for me, had a very bad drug-related hospital incident, been drinking, etc.

My doctor suggested rehab- which is something he has suggested in the past. I hate staying places overnight (especially places of medical nature).

I'm an independent person, I hate leaning on others for help, and always insist on tackling issues alone. My doctor pointed out that this is probably why I can't stay completely clean- because I won't accept anyone's help with it.

I kind of tell myself that I didn't have help getting into drugs so I shouldn't have help getting out, but I suppose an attitude like that doesn't help anyone?

I thought about AA or a group that meets weekly... but the idea of it kind of scares me.
Did anyone else/does anyone else have a 'fear' of accepting help with trying to quit substances?

I had a huge fear of accepting help with my drinking. Part of it was shame, part of it was stubborn pride that I'd always managed everything else on my own so I should be able to manage this, and part of it was fear that if I asked for help it wouldn't be there for me.

So being scared is normal I think.

I've done rehab twice. Once was residential and one was an intensive day treatment program. I liked the day treatment program more, because in the treatment centre you're kind of isolated from the real world and you can;t use, where as with a day program, you still have to learn to live your life clean evenings and weekends, so it's more realistic.

I go to AA and find the support I get there really amazing. I've met a lot of great people there and once I started accepting help, and letting people in a little bit, my life got a lot better. Now I look forward to my meetings because i want to see everyone. And I know I have people I can call, if I need support. So it might be worth giving it at try.

But if drugs are more your thing or a bigger thing, then I'd suggest NA. Same concept as AA except that they deal with a broader range of drugs than AA. My home group and some groups here are ok with people talking about addictions other than to alcohol, but some other groups are really strict about dealing with alcohol only. I know a bunch of people who go to NA for that reason.

But seriously, I'd try to not let fear hold you back from getting help. Change is scary and hard to do on your own. It's way better with people supporting you.

--splitimage