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Alcohol support
any experience of residential stay at alcohol rehab
offtorehab · 05/06/2021 06:58
NC.
I'm off to the manor clinic in Southampton for their 28 day programme next Friday.
I'm devastated as won't be able to see my very young children for that time, but need to do this.
Has anyone on here been? Successful? What can I take with me?
In particular, can I take my phone to keep in contact with husband and kids?
I know I can ask these questions of them, but I'd rather advice from a patients perspective.
Thanks
[Title edited by MNHQ at OP's request]
offtorehab · 05/06/2021 07:20
Well, the psychiatrist I saw yesterday at a separate hospital is trying to get me in next Friday I should say
FourteenthDoctor · 05/06/2021 18:42
No advice but wanted to say the very best of luck to you op 💐
lovelovelove2 · 06/06/2021 19:38
I had a 28 day stay not at the same location as you.
I was allowed my phone in my room but not during the days programme.
Best thing I ever did. That was 9 years ago.
I wish you all the best your life will change so much for the better.
offtorehab · 06/06/2021 20:16
Thank you @lovelovelove2, and well done to you! I can't wait to (hopefully) feel the same way you do now
SnapCackleFlop · 06/06/2021 20:18
Good luck, I’m sure it won’t be easy but it’ll be worth it! 🍀💜💜💜
omgthepain · 06/06/2021 20:30
One of my good friends when to a residential clinic organised by her GP and she said it was amazing and she is now a qualified counsellor helping females from professional backgrounds who are alcoholics and runs her own yoga/ healthy living retreats
She said it changed her life and has gone on to meet her partner and have a family something she never thought was going to happen
ThatLibraryMiss · 06/06/2021 20:43
Not me but someone very close to me spent about three weeks at The Priory, and is still sober almost six years later (and very healthy, happy and in a strong healthy relationship). You have to bear in mind, though, that it's the first step on your road to lifetime sobriety, not a once-and-done fix. You should be encouraged to join some sort of program - AA works for many but not all - and commit to figuring out why you drink and sorting yourself out. It can mean re-assessing a lot of relationships as you realise they aren't healthy for you.
Good luck on your journey. It's hard but it's so worth it.
ThatLibraryMiss · 06/06/2021 20:45
Sorry, I forgot about the phone. My addict had to surrender it at first but got it back. The days were full of group work and activities so there wasn't really time to miss it.
lovelovelove2 · 07/06/2021 09:33
@offtorehab
You will do. I wish you all the best of luck.
One thing I will say is don't beat yourself up on how you got here just keep moving forward - you have so much to look forward too, your life will change for the better in so many ways. Thinking of you and please let us know how you get on.
offtorehab · 07/06/2021 11:05
Thank you @ThatLibraryMiss and @omgthepain, such positive outcomes.
Yes I'm concerned about relapse hugely. I don't want to keep letting my husband down, and 28 days of therapy is so intense.
Received an email today saying Dr has requested my insurer agree to pay (they offered less than six months ago to). Then I will await for the clinic to call to arrange admission.
I honestly want this so much now.
GlutenFreeGingerCake · 07/06/2021 11:14
Good luck OP I know you will miss your dc but it's a good thing you will be doing for them and yourself 
offtorehab · 07/06/2021 20:29
Pre assessment tomorrow at 11:30 via telephone. Likely to be admission weekend at the earliest or early next week. I'm keen as mustard to go now.
Lotty32 · 09/06/2021 08:59
I have direct experience of residential rehab - and each one varies - The Priory allowed an hour a day to phone home. Tbh you should be kept so busy, it's good not to have to worry about home life - and just focus on yourself and the programme. My advice is to try everything on offer - I was very anti art therapy - but found it extremely useful as it accessed a part of your brain that isn't usually used.
Good luck - brave move - but definitely worth it - I've been sober now for 16 months.
Ps take a nice water bottle - and the more you put into the programme the more you will get out of it. Trite but true!
Pps my insurance covered the whole cost of my stay (!)
offtorehab · 09/06/2021 09:11
Thank you Lottie, that's really helpful.
Looks like my insurer is covering mine too. I'm just awaiting an admission date now. Life is on hold!
offtorehab · 24/06/2021 07:50
Well today I'm 9 days sober and sleeping well.
Yep, I'm cheating as I'm in rehab and had withdrawal meds for five days and sleeping tabs for the first three nights, but my god I feel good.
I'm taking so much better care of myself! I handed in step one yesterday, so hopefully I'll pass. Im attending group therapy everyday.
I feel strong today 
Stuckhere2021 · 24/06/2021 23:27
Hi @offtorehab - glad to hear it is going well. I am also on day 9 although not in a rehab place - just at home. To be honest, a month in a residential rehab sounds great but I couldn’t afford it and don’t have insurance.
I had some major cravings tonight but there is no booze in the house and my family have taken my money / cards off me so I couldn’t go out and buy any. Have you has any cravings?? Can u tell us a bit about the therapies and what sort of things you are doing?
480Widdio · 24/06/2021 23:33
OP I am an Alcoholic in recovery,just past 18years sober.
Feel free to PM me if I can be helpful,keep going 9 days is amazing.
FlappyFish · 25/06/2021 05:58
You can do this. It is hard and the pink cloud will be real. Five and a half years sober here post rehab. (Priory)
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