Priory 28 day addiction programme

[Littlereddressinggown]

Anyone have any experience of this? I think H needs to do it if there’s any chance of us staying together as a family. 2 young DC, I’m a SAHP. He can’t just suddenly take 28 days off work can he? Any point seeing GP? They can only sign off work a week at a time I’m guessing?
Any advice welcome, I’m really desperate now...

I did 6 weeks in a rehab not far from the priory, for cocaine addiction. Dr can sign off for at least the month, my dr now signs me off two months at a time as the treatment centre recommend I have a full year off work. There have been no questions from work or my dr, addiction is a life threatening illness and needs to be treated as such. I work for the NHS so was on full pay for the first six months. Does your DH have a permanent contract? With sick leave entitlement or insurances?

I have heard great things about the priory, a month off work sounds a big deal, but if you put in perspective of your whole lives together then it really isn’t. Has he attended any CA or AA or NA meetings? For you there are al anon meetings. I really wish you luck. Addiction is a bummer of an illness, but in my experience so far, recovery has been a revelation and brought so much happiness and peace of mind.

Thank you flatwhite for taking the time to respond - I really appreciate it.
He hasn’t attended any meetings yet. He has admitted there’s a problem and had a couple of phone conversations with our local NHS addiction service but not getting any help yet. And he’s getting worse and worse to the point that I’ve been pushed to the edge this morning following a binge where he was out until 5am. I said some awful things, some of which my 5 year heard and I’m just devastated really.
Am going to try and get him either to the GP or an addiction therapist on Monday.
I really hope your health & happiness continue to improve - and thank you again for your kindness.

So sorry you are suffering little, your priority absolutely has to be you and your children. But please do pursue treatment options, if he is ready then there really is a lot that can be done.
Wishing you the best of luck, be kind to your self. Also you might want to google Mount Carmel treatment centre, it is in south west London also, had great rates and very good recovery rates.

Thanks flatwhite, I’ve been thinking a lot about your message yesterday and it is so helpful to frame it in terms of addiction as an illness. It hadn’t really occurred to me before but it makes so much sense to approach it in the same way you would a physical illness. We’re trying to get him an assessment asap but it’s clearly a busy time of year, probably a crisis point for a lot of people, not just us. Hanging in there xx

Depending on where you live there should be a 12 step meeting today that he could attend - even if alcohol isn’t his substance of choice he can go to AA as the principles are the same - ditto you for al-anon. I’ve known people to stop using from their first meeting - others have taken longer. It’s free to attend, self-run and financed and should be a welcoming place where others should understand, without judgement. It’s worth a go whilst you’re waiting for more formal support - he/you may take to it, or not, but worth a shot for today.

Thank you Quick. That’s a good idea - will have a look.

I've been to the priory for different mental health issues, fantastic place and very good at what they do.

Thanks Albus.
Does anyone know if aa meetings happen on Bank holidays? Our local one is tomorrow (New Year’s Day) I cant see anything online about it being cancelled but want to avoid a false start iyswim...

There should be a local helpline number or even an online support group who can confirm the meeting's on. Actually, there should be a staffed helpline open 24 hours for those in need - might be in London but they'll have other contact details.

0800 9177 650 or try here - they seem to have an online chat function:
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/About-AA/Newcomers/Get-help-now

Just wanted to send hugs and wish you and your DH the best. A wonderfully inspiring writer who I love called Bryony Gordon has recently come out about being in rehab (goggle her - she writes for the Telegraph and is on Instagram and Twitter) and she is so positive about it and the journey she is on. Xx

Thank you everyone for sharing your experience and advice. Thank God for Mumsnet and for lovely people like you. Happy new year xxx