Alcoholism rehab

[scottie]

I have a close family member who is about to begin a 45 day rehab program after getting his third DUI. It's a very expensive program. Because a separate family member is footing the bill and because I love the family member who's fighting alcoholism, I'm hoping some of my fellow CUFers can bring me good news, that you personally know someone who beat this and that these programs can work. Thanks.

[pellegrino]

I wish I did scottie. That's a tough row to hoe. I wish the best for your family member and I hope s/he is able to beat it.

[Katy Lied]

I know someone who went to rehab for 60 days. He's in high school. He didn't have an incident that caused him to go, he just confessed to his parents that he drank constantly when they weren't there. And he couldn't control it and he craved it all the time. Cost his parents $45K. When he came back, he was very afraid to run across his former friends, even accidentally. He worried that he might get sucked back into it.

It's been a year now. He doesn't drink any more. As a bonus, he's less sullen, quit smoking pot as well, and is more interesting and nice to be around.

[RobinFinderson]

This is probably the only time I have ever said this, but President Bush might be a decent example of a person who was able to turn his life around after battling this particular demon. If Bush can do it, anyone can. Best wishes.

[FN Phat]

First off, I wish you and your family member the best. That being said, my family hasn't had very good luck at such programs, even when they are mandated by the state. My uncle is attending "the state university" for a third time for DUIs. After his last stint, he was to go to rehab for 60 days. He came out, fresh certificate in hand, and stopped by the local tavern to play pool. 5 hours later and a significant ammount of Coors Light and tequila shots later he was picked up for another DUI. The bar is 1.5 miles from the house. Some people never learn.

[Danimal]

I work in addictions and frequently see people overcome their drinking. Unfortunately, though, it's a recurrent disease where relapses are expected. Going to this program is important, but it's not nearly as important as what he does when he leaves the program. If he doesn't develop a sober network and consistently attend some kind of support group, get rid of his drinking buddies and stay away from his old drinking places, and better learn to tackle life's difficulties without alcohol, then the program won't matter. He won't have a chance. But if he does these things, he's got a significant chance to stay sober for a long time. It's possible, and it's a lot of work.

[il Padrino Ute]

All the best to you and your family, Scottie. I personally don't have any family members who went through a rehab program, but I've seen the effects of alcoholism as it killed my paternal grandparents.

[hostile]

Best of luck to your family. My experiences are mixed. My paternal grandfather was an alcoholic but lived a long life, passing away in his 80's. He never did rehab as far as I know. I think he was just lucky.

A friend of mine from high school enters drug/alcohol rehab during our freshman year of college. Last I heard the rehab worked and he has been clean for over 20 years.

My wife has a family member who went to Betty Ford after a family intervention. He continued to deny his alcoholism and only stopped because his liver failed. He's waiting for a transplant.

[cougjunkie]

Scottie one of my closest friends dealt with Drug and alcohol problems from the time we were 16 until about 2 1/2 years ago. He missed my wedding because he was in jail.

2 1/2 years ago he went to the LDS owned Renaissance Ranch. It literally changed his life, 2 1/2 years later he is married to a returned missionary who is an awesome girl, they were married in the temple and this July he will hit 3 years sober.

Trust me if he can do it anyone can.

[scottie]

Scottie one of my closest friends dealt with Drug and alcohol problems from the time we were 16 until about 2 1/2 years ago. He missed my wedding because he was in jail.

2 1/2 years ago he went to the LDS owned Renaissance Ranch. It literally changed his life, 2 1/2 years later he is married to a returned missionary who is an awesome girl, they were married in the temple and this July he will hit 3 years sober.

Trust me if he can do it anyone can.

Thanks junkie. Any idea how much he had to pay for his Renaissance Ranch program?

[Clark Addison]

My father was an active alcoholic for most of his adult life until he was 46 years old. Like your family member, he got involved in some legal troubles (actually more severe than your case). He went to AA, and has not had a drink in 24 years.

[cougjunkie]

Thanks junkie. Any idea how much he had to pay for his Renaissance Ranch program?

It is about 20k, however members of the church sponsor most of the people that go, so they do not have to pay anything.