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It's Day #3 in Treatment...
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8:45am:
I finally got the parking spot RIGHT in front of the building. I think this is going to be a good day. My care manager is also planning on meeting with me today to review my treatment plan and actually start thinking about a life after the program. I guess it’s never too soon to plan aftercare.
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8:55am:
Back to the main group room where we have psychoeducational groups. I enjoyed the assertive communication discussion yesterday, the therapist did a really good job of incorporating examples from other people in the room into the discussion. With my anger issues, practicing being assertive rather than rageful should really help. I had a conversation with my wife about what I learned last night and it was the first time we’ve spoken calmly to each other in weeks.
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9:00am:
I sign in, find a seat, and look at the schedule. “Relapse Prevention” it says. Well, that certainly sounds important. I get my pen and paper out, and prepare to listen, and share my own experiences
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10:30am
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What a group! I learned so much about different triggers, possible relapse warning signs, and the kinds of difficult situations I might encounter in the future that might tempt me to use. Many of these I didn’t even know existed, let alone to look out for. It wasn’t all doom and gloom, however. We spent a lot of time discussing ways to incorporate healthier coping skills into my life. I’m glad I got my questions answered, but appreciated hearing from others too. Up next is Process Group but first I need to look at the main office door to see what room I’m in for that one. Looks like it’s Gender-Specific Group today, I can’t wait to tell the guys about the constructive discussion I had with my wife!
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12:00pm:
In the lunch line again, and I’m emotionally spent from group. It was intense hearing about the ‘close call’ that Tom had last night. I’m so glad he felt comfortable enough in group to tell us about it, so we could support him. The therapist did a great job encouraging him to share, even though Tom is uncomfortable with his feelings sometimes. The therapist reminded us that being open and honest is key to the group running effectively, and that this is the ideal setting to discuss recovery-challenging situations like this. Now, I’m going to use some of the healthy tips I learned in our Nutrition Group when making my lunch selections. I never thought much about the nutritional consequences of my drinking.
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1:00pm:
Lunch is actually quite good. I like the variety of choices I can get. More than that, though, is that it’s a chance for me to catch up with people from my group in a more relaxed setting. Sometimes I need to just talk about sports, current events, etc, and this is a great time to do it. It’s comforting to know we’re all just regular people who are having difficulty coping with some of life’s issues. I’m not alone. Up next is Expressive Therapy.
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2:00pm:
More than any other group, I used to think Expressive Therapy was corny. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I’ve never thought of myself as ‘artistic,’ but what I realize now is that no matter what your skill level, the important thing to remember is that art can help you access parts of your brain that probably aren’t used to being utilized. I know when I was drinking all those years I sure as heck didn’t use them! Movement Therapy is really helping me listen to my body. I didn’t realize how tense I was until I learned how to relax! And our Spirituality Group seems to complement my work in the weekly self-help meetings I have been attending in addition to the program.
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3:00pm
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Just finished another Skills Group, this time on managing feelings. It sounds like an easy topic, but I had no idea there was so much to it. Tomorrow, I see from the schedule we have a Medication Education Group. Even though my psychiatrist whom I will see again tomorrow doesn’t have me on medication, I’m sure there is lots to learn about the interaction of medications and alcohol.
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3:30pm:
At home now, ready to apply the things I learned during program into my daily life. That’s my favorite part of coming here everyday... every night I get the opportunity to practice what I’ve learned. Later this week my wife will come in for a family session with me and my care manager. I think that will really help us confront some of the more difficult problems we’re facing. Tomorrow night she is also coming to the Family Program. Dr. Teas, the Medical Director, is speaking on the “addicted brain” which I hear is incredibly rewarding. I’m feeling good, and cautiously optimistic about the future.
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