Plan "B"

[piotr36]

Yeah, there has been a change of plans. After Michelle called Eastwood, we're going to go for the B) Option which is "Intensive Outpatient". It's 3 hours a session, 3 days a week. I'll let you read her post on the reasons why when she posts it later.

Comments

[childe]

What happened to this not working unless you were monitored 24/7? Is this backpedaling?

[piotr36]

I'm doing okay, detoxed, no sign of imminent danger. I'm at 13 days sober. I don't need supervised detox at this point, what I need is the counseling part of it. No backpedaling here, but when they mentioned that they do not distinguish in therapy stages with housing (read: crackhead / heroin addict on his first night without his fix in the bed next to you, group showers), started talking about theft being an issue... the original offer was for intensive outpatient. We're going to go that route along with 2X a week AA meetings for the off days. I'm clean right now, need the therapy to stay that way. I don't need the drying out period or the "getting over the itch" part of the lockdown. Two weeks ago I did, but not now. Michelle will be riding my ass on this.

[specialagentm]

I think you do need it. In particular, I think you need time away from your relationship situation. It just is often too stressful, and stress is a serious risk factor for relapsing.

I'm very disappointed, Pete. I hope this works, but I think you're letting yourself off too easy. You are still trying to cushion this, and I think (and this is just my opinion) you need more strict measures.

Good luck, but if you find this isn't doing the trick, or the counselors suggest inpatient, please find the courage to *do it*. I guess the AA meetings will help guide you, though -- they don't accept BS there.

[piotr36]

Well, Mike I had my bags packed and left it up to michelle. I didn't make this decision. As for strict measures, I'm going to be at therapy for 3 hours or at an AA meeting EVERY DAY of the week.

And yes, if someone says I need inpatient, I'll do it. But even my counselor at PACE (Oakland county's unit) said outpatient was probably a better idea if I was already detoxed. I'm not going to tell a professional that she's wrong.

[ms_hecubus]

I hope this option works for you. I wouldn't write off going somewhere for inpatient therapy at some point, but Eastwood doesn't sound like the ideal situation. No matter what, keep on it! I'm pulling for you and even when I get behind on LJ I check to see how you are.

I have to second what Mike said about having Michelle check out Al-Anon. She also needs tools to learn how to support your recovery without becoming overwhelmed again.