As others have said, the medications are really to help break the cycle. I remember finally finding a place that did intensive outpatient therapy. Everywhere wanted 90 day inpatient with no contact to the outside world other than visitor days. In a perfect world, I guess that would have been ideal. but there was no way I could do that with my responsibilities. The outpatient clinic was reluctant at first because of the seriousness, but I told them I'd sign any waiver they wanted met to, I just wanted OUT. I remember when the DR. asked me what my goals were with their program, and asked if I wanted to quit for good. I looked at him square in the face and said, I JUST WANT TO STOP... when you're ready, you're ready! It was difficult, but I wanted out soo badly and lo and behold I stuck to it and got out. Life is immeasurably better without the stuff!