re: Anyone been to rehab?

It does get so much better, doesn't it. I can't imagine going back to drinking.

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Palmetto alumni here also.

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FCC’s with Darren Davis is something everyone should have to experience at least once.

Y’all have already basically told my story already for me in this thread. 5 years sober in June.

I went to two outpatient rehabs. The first time in 1985. I stayed sober for nine years with the help of AA. But, after I picked up a 5 year chip, I thought that I didn't need it anymore. I ended up going back out in 1994 after 9 years being sober.

That didn't work out well for me. I ended up back in another out patient rehab in November 1995. I've been sober since.

All I can say is that people who want to get sober/clean should at least give AA/NA a try. I'm not saying it's the only way to get sober, but I found it to be the easier way.

Just do anything you need to do to put as much distance between today and the last drink/drug you take. It's the only way to clear your brain - at least it was for me.

Not everyone who drinks has a problem. But if alcohol or drugs are negatively impacting your family/employment/health, the issue needs to be addressed. I know many who lost families, jobs, and even their lives as a result of alcohol/drugs. I applaud anyone who takes the personal responsibility to better themselves.

I would say "good luck", but while for some it's luck that gets them into treatment, it is only by doing the work that one can get and stay sober. Best wishes to all who make the decision to get sober/clean.

I always check out these threads for perspective. And each one helps me gain more perspective on and respect for the disease of addiction.

You fellas keep fighting the good fight.

And for those of us who are so fricking blessed to be able to 'just have a few here or there' it's our responsibility to respect the disease and encourage our friends/family who are in recovery. Invite them to parties and tailgates. Don't alienate them. Make sure they have alcohol-free beverages and include them.
That's important, especially down south where booze is at every fricking event from a baby shower to a funeral reception.

Iona, you are truly a good dude. Thanks for honestly sharing your experiences.

I’m happy anytime I see that you have posted here.

Our friend Mr Zevon couldn’t outrun his legion of demons, and although they weren’t listed on his death certificate, they certainly hastened down the ill wind. A sad loss to us all.

We all have so much positive to experience around us and to give to others in this life, you are always positive and supportive here.

Thank you for giving back, I’ll try to better follow your example.

Picked my brother up from Palmetto 5 months ago for alcoholism and he’s been sober since, thank the good Lord. I’d encourage any family members of alcoholics to check out Al Anon as it’s changed my life. The daily devotional Courage to Change is a blessing for me.

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For those who took the step of starting the morning drinking and don't mind saying, what lead to that? Hungover and needed the drink to function?

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You just drink all damn night and get an hour or two of sleep then up and at it again. Pour another one or pop the top on another beer, snort a fat line of good cocaine,and spark one up. Ain't many better highs than that

Quit on my own about 11 years ago when the hangovers were two days long so it wasn't fun no more

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That’s an apples to Volkswagens comparison.

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Yep. One is against federal law but widely accepted. The other is perfectly legal yet universally frowned upon.

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I've been sober for 8 months

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The first time I went to treatment I had two trash bags of empty plastic pint bottles that I collected from being stashed around my house.

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Yep, had bags of them. I hid booze everywhere, even in the yard and woods. The thing that scared me most in life was going through a day without the proper amount of alcohol at the house when I got home.