Solitary Confinement for two weeks to deal with substance abuse, please help

Republican Values Voter · Oct 17, 2019

I hesitate to even begin typing this post, because I know the awful, lonely, and distressing fortnight that awaits me if a decide to commit to getting well.

For 6 years now, I've had a serious problem with alcohol and tobacco. I'll also admit that I used unspecified hard drugs here and there, off and on. But I never really got addicted to them, namely because they are expensive and don't last very long. Fortunately, I haven't used certain hard drugs (which I don't want to talk about online) for nearly 10 months. But I'm still a hardcore user of nicotine and alcohol.

It seems like I've tried everything to get sober from nicotine and alcohol: I've been to a rehab halfway house 4 times, each time lasting a month. I always went back to the liquor and cigarettes within weeks of getting out each time.

So I came up with a novel idea. I'm going to lock myself up in my room for two weeks. Two weeks will be enough to for the alcohol and nicotine detox to run their course, which is to say, I should feel somewhat normal after a fortnight.

I don't have a whole lot to do in my room. I have a plethora of books, some history, others religious, but mostly novels of fiction. I do have a TV and Blu-ray/DVD player with a small collection of anime movies, and my father has thousands of Blu-ray/DVD films downstairs. I think the best solution would be to binge watch TV until the detox and initial withdrawals are over with.

I'm not employed anywhere at the moment, so I'm free do try this sobriety challenge. And I'm confident I can be successful. But what is the key to staying sober after my two weeks of voluntary self-confinement is up? My history shows that I always continue a clean life for a period of two or three weeks after rehab, but then end up relapsing. Any advice for what I can do to stay clean and sober would be much appreciated.

Also, I do wish to mention that I've tried Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, sometimes going three to five times a week. These meetings don't work on me. Unfortunately, I feel like their program isn't based on science, and it doesn't take a clinical or evidence-based approach. In some respects, it seems like a cult (I mean this criticism in the friendliest way possible, and I'm sorry if it offended anyone). Does anyone know of any non-AA programs that can help someone like me who wants to permanently live a clean life without using illegal drugs, alcohol, and nicotine ever again? Please help.

Basil the Great · Oct 17, 2019

The Betty Ford Center in California might be worthy of your consideration, but I have no idea as to their prices and/or if they are willing to give a discount to someone with limited means.

Republican Values Voter · Oct 17, 2019

Basil the Great said:
The Betty Ford Center in California might be worthy of your consideration, but I have no idea as to their prices and/or if they are willing to give a discount to someone with limited means.

Thanks, but I have less than $700 in savings. I used to make good money working as an junior financial analyst for AIG, but had to quit like a year ago due to drug abuse. I'm back to living with my parents. I want to get sober and stay sober for at least 6 months before I re-enter the workforce.

JohnAshton · Oct 17, 2019

Good luck from the bottom of my heart.

Basil the Great · Oct 17, 2019

I feel for you very much. My grandmother was addicted to alcohol and as a result, I have always been strongly against it, not for religious reasons, but for health reasons.

I am not sure what to say. It seems like rehab programs have not worked for you. I like your plan to binge on your dad's collection of DVD's, until you can get the drugs and alcohol out of your system. The problem is, then how do you stay sober? Here are a few thoughts:

(1) I believe that God especially blesses us when we do acts of mercy to help others in need. You could volunteer your time at a local hospital or food pantry or homeless shelter. If not possible, you might do chores for an elderly neighbor or someone on your church's shut-in list.

(2) If possible, find a job that you enjoy. I know that this may not be easy.

(3) Perhaps spend some time doing some internet research on ways to overcome addictions? You might find some good ideas.

Meanwhile, I will pray for you. God bless you and may He give you the strength to get clean and stay clean.

Kenny'sID · Oct 17, 2019

You have to want to stay away from those things in order to stay quit, and your past actions suggest you don't want to do that.

You quit before, so how is this time any different when it comes to falling off the wagon? I personally was/am convinced the smoking/drugs would end me up in hell...that was my incentive anyway, and I never looked back after quitting. Bit I'm kind of old and admittedly, I did look back several times before that. But now, overall, I feel much better/secure now than I did when doing those things. It's really not worth waiting, besides, waiting is very risky.

tdidymas · Oct 17, 2019

Republican Values Voter said:
I hesitate to even begin typing this post, because I know the awful, lonely, and distressing fortnight that awaits me if a decide to commit to getting well.

For 6 years now, I've had a serious problem with alcohol and tobacco. I'll also admit that I used unspecified hard drugs here and there, off and on. But I never really got addicted to them, namely because they are expensive and don't last very long. Fortunately, I haven't used certain hard drugs (which I don't want to talk about online) for nearly 10 months. But I'm still a hardcore user of nicotine and alcohol.

It seems like I've tried everything to get sober from nicotine and alcohol: I've been to a rehab halfway house 4 times, each time lasting a month. I always went back to the liquor and cigarettes within weeks of getting out each time.

So I came up with a novel idea. I'm going to lock myself up in my room for two weeks. Two weeks will be enough to for the alcohol and nicotine detox to run their course, which is to say, I should feel somewhat normal after a fortnight.

I don't have a whole lot to do in my room. I have a plethora of books, some history, others religious, but mostly novels of fiction. I do have a TV and Blu-ray/DVD player with a small collection of anime movies, and my father has thousands of Blu-ray/DVD films downstairs. I think the best solution would be to binge watch TV until the detox and initial withdrawals are over with.

I'm not employed anywhere at the moment, so I'm free do try this sobriety challenge. And I'm confident I can be successful. But what is the key to staying sober after my two weeks of voluntary self-confinement is up? My history shows that I always continue a clean life for a period of two or three weeks after rehab, but then end up relapsing. Any advice for what I can do to stay clean and sober would be much appreciated.

Also, I do wish to mention that I've tried Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, sometimes going three to five times a week. These meetings don't work on me. Unfortunately, I feel like their program isn't based on science, and it doesn't take a clinical or evidence-based approach. In some respects, it seems like a cult (I mean this criticism in the friendliest way possible, and I'm sorry if it offended anyone). Does anyone know of any non-AA programs that can help someone like me who wants to permanently live a clean life without using illegal drugs, alcohol, and nicotine ever again? Please help.

Getting through withdrawal is only the beginning of the journey. To really get free, you have to discover what drew you to those things in the first place, and work on the miseries in your life that make you decide to medicate yourself. You also need accountability, so that people can help you through your trials. There is a movement called "Celebrate Recovery" that I highly recommend. It helped me to come out of alcoholism, where AA didn't help me. You can find a group on the website. After you join, you go through the 12 steps, which are Christian and Bible based. May you find help from the Lord to overcome these unhealthy habits.
TD

The_wanderer 40 · Oct 18, 2019

I agree about Celebrate Recovery. I found it very helpful and many others that I know have as well.

There's a book called The Addictive Thinking by Abraham Twerski. It is available with a second book called The Addictive Personality by Craig Nakken. That gave me a lot of insight into the cycle of addiction.

You mentioned that it will be a lonely, distressing time. It may be like fhat at the beginning but it will get better over time. Look at this time as a chance to really enjoy doing things you like and to grow spiritually.

God bless!

Emmylouwho · Oct 18, 2019

Republican Values Voter said:
I hesitate to even begin typing this post, because I know the awful, lonely, and distressing fortnight that awaits me if a decide to commit to getting well.

For 6 years now, I've had a serious problem with alcohol and tobacco. I'll also admit that I used unspecified hard drugs here and there, off and on. But I never really got addicted to them, namely because they are expensive and don't last very long. Fortunately, I haven't used certain hard drugs (which I don't want to talk about online) for nearly 10 months. But I'm still a hardcore user of nicotine and alcohol.

It seems like I've tried everything to get sober from nicotine and alcohol: I've been to a rehab halfway house 4 times, each time lasting a month. I always went back to the liquor and cigarettes within weeks of getting out each time.

So I came up with a novel idea. I'm going to lock myself up in my room for two weeks. Two weeks will be enough to for the alcohol and nicotine detox to run their course, which is to say, I should feel somewhat normal after a fortnight.

I don't have a whole lot to do in my room. I have a plethora of books, some history, others religious, but mostly novels of fiction. I do have a TV and Blu-ray/DVD player with a small collection of anime movies, and my father has thousands of Blu-ray/DVD films downstairs. I think the best solution would be to binge watch TV until the detox and initial withdrawals are over with.

I'm not employed anywhere at the moment, so I'm free do try this sobriety challenge. And I'm confident I can be successful. But what is the key to staying sober after my two weeks of voluntary self-confinement is up? My history shows that I always continue a clean life for a period of two or three weeks after rehab, but then end up relapsing. Any advice for what I can do to stay clean and sober would be much appreciated.

Also, I do wish to mention that I've tried Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, sometimes going three to five times a week. These meetings don't work on me. Unfortunately, I feel like their program isn't based on science, and it doesn't take a clinical or evidence-based approach. In some respects, it seems like a cult (I mean this criticism in the friendliest way possible, and I'm sorry if it offended anyone). Does anyone know of any non-AA programs that can help someone like me who wants to permanently live a clean life without using illegal drugs, alcohol, and nicotine ever again? Please help.

If you are under 26, you should be covered by your parents’ health insurance. If you’re over 26 and have no income, you probably qualify for Medicaid. I’m pretty sure they cover inpatient rehab.

What was the halfway house rehab like? Is that the same thing as in-patient? How many people there? How many full-time medical staff?

jsimms615 · Oct 18, 2019

Republican Values Voter said:
I hesitate to even begin typing this post, because I know the awful, lonely, and distressing fortnight that awaits me if a decide to commit to getting well.

For 6 years now, I've had a serious problem with alcohol and tobacco. I'll also admit that I used unspecified hard drugs here and there, off and on. But I never really got addicted to them, namely because they are expensive and don't last very long. Fortunately, I haven't used certain hard drugs (which I don't want to talk about online) for nearly 10 months. But I'm still a hardcore user of nicotine and alcohol.

It seems like I've tried everything to get sober from nicotine and alcohol: I've been to a rehab halfway house 4 times, each time lasting a month. I always went back to the liquor and cigarettes within weeks of getting out each time.

So I came up with a novel idea. I'm going to lock myself up in my room for two weeks. Two weeks will be enough to for the alcohol and nicotine detox to run their course, which is to say, I should feel somewhat normal after a fortnight.

I don't have a whole lot to do in my room. I have a plethora of books, some history, others religious, but mostly novels of fiction. I do have a TV and Blu-ray/DVD player with a small collection of anime movies, and my father has thousands of Blu-ray/DVD films downstairs. I think the best solution would be to binge watch TV until the detox and initial withdrawals are over with.

I'm not employed anywhere at the moment, so I'm free do try this sobriety challenge. And I'm confident I can be successful. But what is the key to staying sober after my two weeks of voluntary self-confinement is up? My history shows that I always continue a clean life for a period of two or three weeks after rehab, but then end up relapsing. Any advice for what I can do to stay clean and sober would be much appreciated.

Also, I do wish to mention that I've tried Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, sometimes going three to five times a week. These meetings don't work on me. Unfortunately, I feel like their program isn't based on science, and it doesn't take a clinical or evidence-based approach. In some respects, it seems like a cult (I mean this criticism in the friendliest way possible, and I'm sorry if it offended anyone). Does anyone know of any non-AA programs that can help someone like me who wants to permanently live a clean life without using illegal drugs, alcohol, and nicotine ever again? Please help.

The idea of isolating yourself for two weeks is okay, but then what? Your going to run into situations where you will be tempted. I would think that if you really have as big of a problem as you say that an intensive outpatient therapy program would be more appropriate.
AA doesn't work if you don't do the steps. You can go to several meetings a day and it won't truly matter. The steps are the key and using the group to get people to hold you accountable.

Republican Values Voter · Oct 19, 2019

I have good news: I've stayed off the alcohol for three days now.

The bad news: I haven't been able to kick the dipping tobacco habit. Yes, I've managed to go four to eight hours before I give into my nicotine cravings (typically I last less than an hour when I'm not trying that much). But it will stop tomorrow once I confine myself to my room and binge watch anime and old movies from my dad's vast Blu-ray/DVD collection.

How will I stay sober after nearly 2 weeks pass and I feel better? I came up with a brilliant idea with God, if he chooses to accept my proposal...

God promised he would heal my ADD with a device attached onto my heavenly body that affects my earthly body. It works by stimulating the frontal lobe, which is an area in the brain responsible for planning and executive function. Addicts and alcoholics like myself are known to have hypoactivity in the frontal lobe, which partially explains our destructive and impulsive habits. If God believes I've earned healing, I'll get it and will no longer be so out of control with alcoholism and illegal drug use.

When will I receive this healing? I proposed God to grant me the healing (if he so chooses) next Dec. 21st, which will be my 31st birthday. That's about 2 months from now. And if I can go two months without nicotine, alcohol, or illegal drugs, I'll have proven myself capable of never returning to those vices and therefore become worthy of healing from our merciful god. My life will surely get back together and I'll return to being a productive member of society.

miggles · Oct 19, 2019

Republican Values Voter said:
I hesitate to even begin typing this post, because I know the awful, lonely, and distressing fortnight that awaits me if a decide to commit to getting well.

For 6 years now, I've had a serious problem with alcohol and tobacco. I'll also admit that I used unspecified hard drugs here and there, off and on. But I never really got addicted to them, namely because they are expensive and don't last very long. Fortunately, I haven't used certain hard drugs (which I don't want to talk about online) for nearly 10 months. But I'm still a hardcore user of nicotine and alcohol.

It seems like I've tried everything to get sober from nicotine and alcohol: I've been to a rehab halfway house 4 times, each time lasting a month. I always went back to the liquor and cigarettes within weeks of getting out each time.

So I came up with a novel idea. I'm going to lock myself up in my room for two weeks. Two weeks will be enough to for the alcohol and nicotine detox to run their course, which is to say, I should feel somewhat normal after a fortnight.

I don't have a whole lot to do in my room. I have a plethora of books, some history, others religious, but mostly novels of fiction. I do have a TV and Blu-ray/DVD player with a small collection of anime movies, and my father has thousands of Blu-ray/DVD films downstairs. I think the best solution would be to binge watch TV until the detox and initial withdrawals are over with.

I'm not employed anywhere at the moment, so I'm free do try this sobriety challenge. And I'm confident I can be successful. But what is the key to staying sober after my two weeks of voluntary self-confinement is up? My history shows that I always continue a clean life for a period of two or three weeks after rehab, but then end up relapsing. Any advice for what I can do to stay clean and sober would be much appreciated.

Also, I do wish to mention that I've tried Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, sometimes going three to five times a week. These meetings don't work on me. Unfortunately, I feel like their program isn't based on science, and it doesn't take a clinical or evidence-based approach. In some respects, it seems like a cult (I mean this criticism in the friendliest way possible, and I'm sorry if it offended anyone). Does anyone know of any non-AA programs that can help someone like me who wants to permanently live a clean life without using illegal drugs, alcohol, and nicotine ever again? Please help.

i think that's a wonderful idea. it just might work. will you have a computer in the room? if so, give us a daily update. we will cheer you on.

Republican Values Voter · Oct 19, 2019

miggles said:
i think that's a wonderful idea. it just might work. will you have a computer in the room? if so, give us a daily update. we will cheer you on.

Brilliant idea! I'll make sure to keep on log on this thread detailing my thoughts, struggles, and feelings. It's a good idea not just for me, but for other Christians who are struggling with addictions and alcoholism: if they read my posts, they will see that conquering their destructive vices is perfectly doable.

The_wanderer 40 · Oct 19, 2019

That is excellent news about the 3 days without alcohol! Keep it up one day at a time. One minute at a time. And feel free to reach out anytime for any reason. As for the nicotine, try to stretch out the time between having it. You will eventually realize that it is not worth the time and effort. Dipping tobacco was a very difficult thing for me to quit. I have now been off it for several years. Take care and God bless!

Solitary Confinement for two weeks to deal with substance abuse, please help

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