ONE WEEK TILL TREATMENT

[CR_ST_NA]

WELL I LEAVE FOR IN PATIENT TREATMENT ONE WEEK FROM TODAY. GETTING A LITTLE NERVOUS THE CLOSER IT GETS, HAVING LOTS OF MIXED EMOTIONS. IT'S GONNA BE SO HARD TO LEAVE MY FAMILY ESPECIALLY MY BABY GIRL............. BUT NOW IS THE TIME.  KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS.

[FriaryGrad]

Can you post your mailing address now?  It's probably on some of your paperwork....If you do, I'll stay in touch and I'll enjoy hearing about your experiences.  Or put it on your friend site?  Can you stand a bit more advice from an old lady?  Okay, older.... When you get to rehab, make sure that is what you are concentrating on.  We named the phone in rehab the "relapse box" for some people, because they called their families trying to stay in touch, but the calls weren't particularly helpful, since the person in rehab wasn't in a position to do much about problems back home.  If your calls aren't sweet, make them short and upbeat.  We weren't allowed cell phones and the out-going phones were in a high traffic area, so people crying on the phone got lots of spontaneous hugs, but still and all, worry about your family back home can make you lose focus, and that's not good.  Let me know about your address....

[CR_ST_NA]

thanks so much for your words of encouragement much needed.

to fairygrad: that is an inspirational story, i know it will be fine once i get there, its just the leaving the fam behind thanks for taking the time to write

to sadinmichigan: im not sure how long i will be away. it depends on the progress i make. the letter i received said "don't assume this will only be a 28 day program, everyones progress is different"

since i won't ;have internet im looking for a couple of ppl who might want to pen pal with me, just an idea

thanks again, christina

[FriaryGrad]

This might sound insane, but I was in an inpatient rehab facility for a month, and we had a wonderful time.  We had young and old, drugs and alcohol (and both), rich and poor, gay and straight, professional people and blue collar workers-- only 25 at a time were in residence, but people graduate and new people come in.  We were all brothers and sisters sharing an experience that really brings people together. Depending upon the drug of choice, once we were detoxed, we would tell the alcoholics who'd just arrived "don't worry, you won't remember anything about the first few days" -- and they'd tell the newer arrivals the same thing a few days later.  People with similar experiences tended to seek each other out, but only at times, and we had FAR more in common than we had differences. The food was fabulous, especially for people who had stopped eating. We were up and at 'em at 6:30 a.m. and didn't end the day until 9:00 p.m. at the earliest.  People didn't want to leave; we felt so safe and unthreatened by the outside world, despite the fact that we could have walked (or swam) away at any time. No locks, lots of off campus trips (to CA, AA, and NA meetings). No matter what people thought walking in the door, they ALL were glad to there -- at least after detox,which is the pits, but doesn't last forever.  I'd go through detox again twice before I'd have another kidney stone (not that we get a choice).  You will be FINE. You will be bringing a far better person back to your family; not sick, not scared, ready to get on with life......without chemicals, of course.  Hang in there.......

[sadinmichigan]

You know you are and have been in my prayers. This is a "new" beginning..I know it's hard to leave little ones, but this is for a good cause.I know I keep asking you this but how long is treatment again? We will all certainly be here when you come home. You rock girl!! Your stronger than you think...Much love to you and huuuuugggss...Lisa

[britney1663]

Inpatient treatment is a wonderful thing. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the outcome. I know your scared right now, but you are doing such an amazing thing for yourself and your family. What a great opportunity to turn your life around! Good luck to you...and keep us updated as much as you can

[mimi1313]

Of course you are but take comfort you're doing the right thing. And teh right thing is usually the hard thing. I'll be thinking of you and please let me know when you get back. Many will benefit from your experience.

[CR_ST_NA]

thanks i need to hear that so i don't chicken out. the chemical dependancy center is getting me a bus ticket cause the treatment center is four hours away and i dont want  to put me kids through a long trip just to leave mommy. so im gonna say my goodbyes at the bus and take off. i know its the right thing to do but im so nervous............

[mimi1313]

I wish you the best. You're doing such a great thing. And such a brave thing. Good luck to you,

Hugs,
Melissa