AA vs. Rehab? DC area?

[Tulipe]

Hello my fellows,

I am seeking advice for some personal help. I will undergo some sort of either rehab or AA meetings, and I'm seeking to hear your opinions and experience. Also, if any of you is in the DC area and has a recommendation on rehab would you mind sending a PM? I'm not drinking at all now so there are no detox issues. It's just that I seem to go a few months fine and then forget, and that can never happen again.

Advantages AA - economical, established, provides a fellowship, organized, long term support.
Disadvantages AA - Can I please skip the first 3 steps? And really I don't want to hold hands and recite the serenity prayer. Does that mean I'm doomed?

Advantages rehab - more personalized? more private?
Disadvantages rehab - how do you choose? Costs more... maybe somewhere appears in files accessible by the public.

One day, my goal is to be 'out' with my addiction and have that be no big deal.

Cheerio! and thank you.

[mario]

AA vs. Rehab? DC area?

Tulipe for what its worth,i went to a few AA meetings,never did the steps or never got a sponser,but i did enjoy going as in just to be with other people who can relate to myself and me to them,Dont know anything about rehap as i never went but i am sure other peeps here can help,keep to your goal & stick to your plan.:-) dont quit quitting.

[Cinders]

AA vs. Rehab? DC area?

Tulipe,

I am not a good one to give advice as I am still drinking off and on, but here goes:

I go to AA. I have been going to AA for a couple years now. I love the fellowship, the face-to-face with other alcoholics. I have made some dear friends there. A lot of people hate the first three steps and eventually, most groups will start urging you to start the Steps. You can try it a few times and see how it feels. I would find a group with a lot of sobriety and in our case, women.

Rehab. Rehab will just be AA in a hospital setting for most places. It is difficult to find non-12 Step Based rehabs.

Counseling? If you prefer one-on-one and non-12 Step based counseling, you might have some good options.

Google on non 12 Step recovery and you might find something in your area.

Whatever you choose, I truly hope it helps you.

Love,
Cindi

[Marshy]

AA vs. Rehab? DC area?

Hi Tulipe,

I've not been to rehab but I do go to AA occasionally (I'm not an ardent regular). I think it's a good place to get a "top-up" when you need it (obviously for some people it's more than that). It sounds as though it might help you to maintain your sobriety so you don't think you're safe to drink after a few months.

I've found it to be very flexible - do the steps, don't do the steps, get a sponsor, don't get a sponsor, speak or don't speak, get involved as much or as little as you like. I've never felt pressured into doing anything.

BTW, we join hands and say the serenity prayer at the meeting I go to most often. Always makes me cry :H :H And I am the least likely person to be holding hands and saying prayers.

[momof3]

AA vs. Rehab? DC area?

Hey Tulipe,

I live in the DC area and just sent you a PM.