Chemical dependency program causing anxiety

[Laurie 4]

I posted about 3 months ago to help me decide what to do about my addiction. Someone suggested joining a program. I did. They are treating me like I am a criminal. If I can't make a meeting or so on, I get the third degree. They tell me they want proof. The first day I joined, someone from the group (whom I never met) asked me, "How's the baby" I was shocked, it means that my personal information is being discussed behind my back. This is a hospital, but seems to work closely with the courts, as most people in my group are mandated. They keep threatening me to call the Child protective services if I miss meetings. I joined this program of my own admission, can they do that?? This is causing me much anxiety, I am afraid it will cause me to relapse!!! Help. Do I have any rights to change my treatment program?

Thanks,
Laurie

[michski]

Don't relapse!!

I have no idea what sort of program you joined.. but surely you can stick with it long enough to get the chance at a new life. You're already there, so relax and go with the program. It is possible that your case is being discussed but you are there to get help and it seems as if you're getting it NO? Sometimes we have to come into sobriety kicking and screaming but if you can manage to do what you went there to get done all this stuff will be so unimportant soon enough.

good luck and be strong and keep us posted please

[jazpoppy]

They sound like a bunch of jerks to me! I missed a couple meetings due to ilness during a program that I was in, and they NEVER said ANYTHING about my child. I would have taken them DOWN if they said anything about taking my kid away! I am a working mother, single, pay my rent/bills, feed my kid, love him etc.. I could see if I was a street hooker or something having sex with all kinds of men for drugs and beating my kids but you don't sound like that's what your doing, so I think you may want to ask them what business they have threatening to take your child away, when you are NOT mandated to be there, you CHOSE to be there! Sheesh!

take care and hang in there, if they offer to lay off and you try to get to the rest of the meetings, finish the program, otherwise do what's right for your own sake and hit some AA or NA meetings.

Luv

Jaz

[In memory of miracle]

I am sorry you are having a rough time with the program you are in. Try not to freak,is there someone running the program you can talk to about it? I would try not to react and see if I could talk to a therapist or counseler on staff,or someplace else if you need to. Did you sign something apoun admission that you did not read? Perhaps a requirement is attending out-patient and AA ? In any case, I wish you luck, and dont drink even if your a$$ falls off! Bless, Trish

[Laurie 4]

Thanks for the advice. I am going to have a meeting with my counselor today. I will bring up my grievances with her. If she appears unresponsive to my needs then I will try to find an alternate program; perhaps NA or a private therapist.

Just because we are addicts, does not give people the right to have a condescending attitude toward us. We are all human beings struggling with a disease.

Thanks for allowing me to vent!

[godsonmyside]

Please remember this is a treatment program, IT IS NOT NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS, it is not affiliated in any way shape or form. I can understand that this staff might be unappealing to your desires as far as what you are looking for, but remember how you got there, why you are there, and it doesn't last forever.
I know when I was in groups before I thought everyone was out to get me, when in reality they were getting to take a look at me, so of course I was resistant and looked passed that I showed up for help, and when the focus was on me, I was rebellious to change.
I hope this all plays out ok. Acceptance and humility could help right now. Patience and Tolerance would really help. Life is going to happen, these folks know that you are a card, and they do want to play you, but its up to you on how the outcome is. Persiverence, just keep on keeping on, once I got hope to live just one more day clean, Nobody, Nobody, NOBODY can take my hope or spirit from me today.

Peace,
Todd J.

[Paulie]

You are right, no one should be treated like that....talk to people like you said. Part of recovery is learning how to take care of ourselves.

But....in your opening post here saying 'you are afraid this is going to cause you to relaspe', don't use this as an excuse, instead use it to grow and get healthier. You can make a choice right now not to use this as an excuse to use. You could also follow the program and see what happens. I am not condoning their behavior towards you but remember they are dealing with dope fiends who pull dope diend moves, not that you, but lots of people in programs are still acting like using addicts so they treat us like we are, does that make sense?