Chemical Dependency Evaluation
Chemical Dependency Evaluation
I had a psych evaluation back in November to get on mental health disability (OCD and anxiety being the primary issue, although I had a complete emotional breakdown during the evaluation and almost got myself involuntarily committed), which I passed with flying colors, lol... well, now, since I was honest about my self-medicating and addiction history, I get to have a chemical dependency evaluation. I'm having it done at the treatment center here in my little town, which from what my social worker tells me, is pretty old school in their philosophy. So, there is a possibility that he (it's a one man show) may recommend some kind of treatment, and if I choose to do it locally, it will be 12-Step...
If treatment is recommended, are you OBLIGATED to go through with it, or is this a voluntary thing? Is the 12-step local option your ONLY option?
Even with all that out there... this is a good thing, no? Never hurts to have a little more support, I'd think.
((DK))
Even with all that out there... this is a good thing, no? Never hurts to have a little more support, I'd think.
((DK))
I am obligated to follow through with whatever treatment is recommended, however, my therapist (L.C.S.W.), who I see weekly, could possibly trump that decision if she feels that it would be antagonistic for me. It's an hour commute to go anywhere else. But, you're right, some kind of facilitated group might not necessarily be a bad thing, especially since so little f2f support is available here. And it could be fun...
I can only say that whatever 'option' you have to/choose to explore, do it with as open a mind as you can muster. I threw a big fit when I went to rehab last year (all three times) cause I can't stand being told what to do and when and where, and can't stand so much 'structured' time... but in the end, it was worth it. It didn't end up keeping me sober tho, I had to finally want that for myself - glad I finally did!
I hope it turns out well for you, no matter what you decide to do. I know how you feel about 12 step things so just take what you need and leave the rest.
:ghug3 I will keep you in my thoughts.
I hope it turns out well for you, no matter what you decide to do. I know how you feel about 12 step things so just take what you need and leave the rest.
:ghug3 I will keep you in my thoughts.
They didn't have any problem accepting me for disability, but I do have to stay active in my mental health treatment to keep it, including chemical dependency if they deem it necessary. But, my therapist has the biggest say in what that treatment consists of, and what is in my best interest, and of course she will take my belief system into consideration. It's also possible that the CD evaluator may not recommend anything in addition to the CBT, medication, and f2f meetings that I'm already doing, unless I express a desire for it. So, ultimately, I think this is gonna be my decision, and I'm trying to figure out what is best for me.
I can only say that whatever 'option' you have to/choose to explore, do it with as open a mind as you can muster. I threw a big fit when I went to rehab last year (all three times) cause I can't stand being told what to do and when and where, and can't stand so much 'structured' time... but in the end, it was worth it. It didn't end up keeping me sober tho, I had to finally want that for myself - glad I finally did!
So, ultimately, I think this is gonna be my decision, and I'm trying to figure out what is best for me.
You've been given another opportunity to find some peace and serenity which I know you have been looking for, for a long time now Paul, so I say GO FOR IT whatever it turns out to be.
I am glad you are getting help Paul!!!!! I really am.
Love and hugs,
6/20/08
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,467
I so admire you for having the guts to stick this out. So many people would just be sure that it wouldn't work so they wouldn't even try it.
We're gonna have to have Details on your f2f meetings, if they happen, because I have no doubt you'll be setting them straight!
Oh....and if they love you half as much as we do, I'd say you're a lucky man.
We're gonna have to have Details on your f2f meetings, if they happen, because I have no doubt you'll be setting them straight!
Oh....and if they love you half as much as we do, I'd say you're a lucky man.
Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Oxnard (The Nard), CA, USA.
Posts: 13,955
I'm guessing there are no DRA meetings to go to because of the small town deal. Maybe think of starting one if that's feasible. Or incorporate DRA's approach for those that don't accept religious or spiritual beliefs as part of your AA experience.
WTG! day 74
WTG! day 74
Zen, I'm actually suprised there aren't any DRA meetings in Spokane. Davenport sports one AA meeting that gets about 4-6 people (I hear), so no suprise there... Actually, I've been thinking about trying to start a LifeRing meeting in Spokane. I had them sorta going in Wenatchee a couple times and Spokane is much bigger and I'm way more stable in sobriety than I ever was in Wenatchee. I'm pretty sure that some of the folks at the agnostic & atheist AA meeting I go to would be interested. I wonder if the Alano Club would let me host it there...
Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Oxnard (The Nard), CA, USA.
Posts: 13,955
I say go for it. I don't see why the Alano Club would object to a recovery group meeting. After all open mindedness works both ways
I too have thought of starting some sort of secular meeting here in Oxnard. LifeRing would be a good choice.
I too have thought of starting some sort of secular meeting here in Oxnard. LifeRing would be a good choice.
I'm totally drained from questionaires, paperwork, etc., which we didn't quite make it through... but it went really well. We got along great and I turned him on to SR, LifeRing & SMART. Also, he's familiar with the Choice Theory philosophy that my prior treatment was based on. I have to schedule another session for next week to finish the paperwork, but I'll probably be going to his aftercare group for a while.
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