Kaiser Chemical Dependency program

[ancon]

Hi Everyone,

I was on the Baclofen thread and decided to see my dr. to try and get either Baclofen or one of the other anti-craving drugs to go along with the rest of the MWO program.
I believe it was Miss M who was asking for information about the Kaiser program (US) when I mentioned that they were my insurance and I had doubts about getting any of the meds mentioned here.

Here is what happened to me:

I went to my regular doctor(Kaiser) and spilled my guts. She immediately referred me to the chemical dependency department. I spent almost all day Monday in their facility filling out forms, questionaires and computer tests, speaking to a counselor, talking to a nurse and finally (after waiting a few hours because they were so busy - "sober up Monday") I spoke with the doc and broke down telling him I needed something to get me through the evening because without it I would definitely go out and drink again. They gave me a script for Valium and sent me home with 4 of the pills. I had to go back today and have them assess me, where they gave me a few more for today. Many people go through a detox period which is a few days there on site where you are given meds and monitored, then sent home for the night with some Valium for sleep.

They have several programs, but the two I was given were a two week day treatment where you go every day M - S from 9am to 3pm and can extend it to more than two weeks if you want. The other is an outpatient program that I chose - 2 sessions a week plus one lecuture a week and you have to go to 2 AA meetings (blah) per week.

I ordered the MWO CD's so hopefully with some Valium in my system to get me through the evening hump and the hypnotherapy CD's and some good ole counseling/group sessions to figure out WHY I drink I can beat this.

I would have liked to pursue the MWO program in its entirety, but Kaiser is not the institution that will prescribe something not meant for alcohol treatment. I will say I was suprised at the Valium though and it really did do the trick for me - at least last night it did.

Miss M, if you see this, I hope it helps. If nothing else, I feel a sense of support and caring from these people and that I don't have to do it all by myself. I am working with professionals that know what I am going through.

I am not saying the MWO program would not work - I would have preferred to start with that and complete it in its entirety. Because of the MWO book and this website I have finally gotten some help - and that's what it's all about!

I will keep checking in here and posting. If anyone wants more of an update on my progress I will post some more on this thread as I go along in the process.

Ann

[ancon]

Kaiser Chemical Dependency program

P.S.

Been sober for one day!

[Muddle]

Kaiser Chemical Dependency program

Congratulations, Ancon. I have heard very positive things about Kaiser's CDRP programs. When my husband was going through the program, I wasn't drinking heavily at the time and went through their co-dependency program and found the counselors kind and helpful. Congratulations on Day 1 and being strong enough to ask for help.

[ancon]

Kaiser Chemical Dependency program

Thanks Maisie,

I had a rough night last night (went to a baseball game and went crazy over everyone else drinking beer and why not me). This isn't going to be easy by any means. All I can say is thank God for the Valium or I wouldn't make it.

I also found out that with the out patient treatment program, the cost is only a $5 co-payment per group session (twice a week) which is not bad, just in case anyone is interested in cost.

I am really wishing I could have gotten some other meds like the baclofen or topamax. From what I have been reading they seem like miracle drugs.

Hopefully things will get easier. If not I will start over and find someone more open minded.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Still sober but hanging by a thread...

[Guitarista]

Kaiser Chemical Dependency program

Hi Ancon,
Big congratulations on day one af! Just stick with it for a couple more day's and you should be feeling better. For me, once the al is out of our system, then it's up to us to get our headspace right. Our thinking. Keep going! You can do this, and it is so worth the initial discomfort. Maybe think of this period as just having the flu, which you know you'll get over soon. Read the 'Toolbox' thread (in monthly abstinence section) if you haven't.

Best wishes friend!

[ancon]

Kaiser Chemical Dependency program

Thank you. I'll look at the toolbox thread. I didn't realize I would be spending so much time there even as an outpatient. I have to go every day for more meds.(they keep your bottle, gee I wonder why?) So thinking of it as having the flu is a good way of dealing with it.

Thank you!!

[ancon]

Kaiser Chemical Dependency program

Well, they officially ousted me from detox today. Sent me home with only one Valium for tonight for sleep. Gee wiz. Now I wish I had stashed some of the pills I didn't take the other days. I am scared now. I cannot get to a meeting tonight, but my first group session is tomorrow morning at 9am. I am definitely feeling relaxed, no anxiety. I finally figured out the anxiety and crankiness I felt every day was actually withdrawal from the AL from the night before.

So far through all the treatment I have been given (blood tests - liver test was perfect if you can believe that!, TB test, Hep A and C test, meds, nurse monitoring, doc meeting, counselor meeting, and program setup) all for a $15 co-payment. The group sessions are only $5 co-payment. Not bad considering the thousands some pay for rehab treatment.

Here's to 4 days sober. Haven't done that in many years. :yay:

[ancon]

Kaiser Chemical Dependency program

Oh, by the way. I received the CD's and they are so far a big help as well. Very relaxing. I have only done the two clearing tracks (fell asleep but woke up on the count back up) and the subliminal. I am glad to have them in my arsenal.

A

[ancon]

Kaiser Chemical Dependency program

Having trouble already

I guess I am going to use this as a bit of a blog/journal in my progress.

Well yesterday afternoon I thought I was going to explode! I hate the feeling I get in the afternoon/evening that I just want a drink so bad! I thought that since I was "detoxed" it would be easier, but it wasn't. My only hope is that I can get the doc to give me some more Valium to get me through those humps in the day at least for a few more days. I have my first group session today and have spoken to an old AA acquaintence who will be my temp sponsor. So I am doing the work, but it is too early in the game for me to just not have anything and be ok.

I am really disappointed in myself for being such a b*^%h to my husband and not giving a care about anything but the fact I wanted AL and nothing else last night.

I want to do this so badly, but when 5 o'clock rolls around I just hate myself and that blasted bottle of WINE!

I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Pray for me.

[ancon]

Kaiser Chemical Dependency program

Well, I got to group early and asked to talk to the nurse about more valium. After the group, which was very good, they told me "no more valium detox is over for you". I had to talk to the doc about what was going on. Ends up I seem to have an anxiety problem that is a bit more than just the desire for a drink. He said I may have been using the drink to combat the anxiety. So Paxil for me for a few weeks to get me over this hump.

I have a much better outlook on this whole thing. I think I can do it. There is an AA meeting tomorrow morning there at 8am. I am going to go. (I must go to 2 AA meetings a week even though I have not been a big fan of AA, but it is part of their program so I will go along with it.

Did I mention the CD's? VERY relaxing. Fell asleep to the sleep learning one last night.

A

[Guitarista]

Kaiser Chemical Dependency program

Great stuff Ancon!
You have a winning attitude. Many have done this before you, and so will you. Take what you need from AA, and leave the rest, as they say. Keep going! Far to late to be giving up now.....Bravo!

[ancon]

Kaiser Chemical Dependency program

Guitarista - Thanks for your interest and support. I know there will be many more bumps in the road, but I feel as though I am finally (20 years late) figuring myself out. It is a wonder what you can do when you ask for a bit of help!

[ancon]

Kaiser Chemical Dependency program

Well, I've been to two of my mandatory AA meetings. Both of the meetings I went to are at the Kaiser facility. There are so many to choose from, I can't believe how many there are right there at kaiser that aren't published in the regular AA directory. I feel much safer and more comfortable going to meetings there.

Today is a hard day for me. My kids go back to their Dad's house for a week. (we have 50/50 custody). Usually this would mean PARTY time for me. So I am having to deal with the question of "What in the hell do I do now?"

I think I will try some of the supplements like Kudzu to see if they help with the cravings. The Paxil the doc prescribed is helping with the anxiety, but the thought of a drink is still there. I am just not in such a panic over it thank God!

I am still considering ordering Campral or Topa online, but since I am now on the Paxil it may not be a good idea to take both. Any thoughts on that?

[cowgal]

Kaiser Chemical Dependency program

Good job ancon!

I hope this finds you doing ok........ Just read your entire thread, and........been there, done that!!!! I have tried just AA, AA and MWO, AA, MWO and meds......... I wish you luck as I am 46(way over 20 years too late!?) I think the baclofen has done wonders for my anxiety, drinking and I think it may be safe w/ paxil........I still take welbutrin, even though I may not need it?! I wish you the best on your journey.....

Truly,

MA

[JackieClaire]

Kaiser Chemical Dependency program

Hi Ancon,

Sounds like you've found a good doctor. (they're worth their weight in gold).
The probable reason that they didn't give you any more valium is that it's very very addictive.

I've taken Campral in the past and it's brilliant. Perhaps your Doc will give you a prescription for it. Damn sight easier than waiting for the postman every day.

As to keeping those hands busy. How about making your own Christmas cards? Incredibly boring but imagine how smug you'll feel by your own handywork.

Keep in touch. All the luck in the world.

Jackie xxx

AF since 7/7/2009