Relapse Before Rehab

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Getting Help To Succeed

Like most 16 year olds, I was excited to get my driver’s license. Mom wanted me to take the driver’s ed course, but I didn’t think I needed it. My uncle gave me a few lessons, I read the manual, and I thought I was good to go. First try – fail. Second try – fail. Third try – well, before a third fail, I took mom’s advice and got professional help to teach me how to drive.  This was a valuable lesson that saved my life when it came to my addiction. ~ Francine

You know that your addiction has taken control of your life. You are a smart person, and the signs and symptoms of an out of control drinking or drugging problem are getting too big to deny. You want change. Maybe you'll be the lucky one to relapse before rehab, and not after.

Symptoms of Addiction

Some of the symptoms you might notice:

1. Hung over. Again.
2. Late for work. Again.
3. Unexplained bruises. Again.
4. Getting that look, you know, the look of combined pity and disdain, from people who know you.
5. Switching liquor stores, you know, so the clerk won’t suspect.
6. Avoiding eye contact with yourself in the mirror.Tough to do when shaving or putting on mascara.

Time to Quit Drinking

So, you decide that you will quit drinking! That must be the answer to solve these symptoms. You tell yourself that you are able to take care of pretty much all your other issues on your own. Why would addiction be any different? So, you try to stop drinking/drugging. You make the decision to get clean and sober. You have had enough!! And then – the unthinkable. There you are, drunk again. This could beconsidered your first relapse before rehab.

Drunk Again, Second Relapse Before Rehab

You try again, and maybe this next time you manage to put together a few days or weeks. Maybe you attend a 12 step meeting or two, read a book on sobriety, or go to church. And the unbelievable! There you are, drunk again. This could be considered your second relapse before rehab.Failing your driver’s test a third time when you are 16 may be embarrassing and expensive, but not fatal. Failing to get and stay sober can indeed land you in jail, a hospital or psych ward, or the cemetery.

Maybe some people can get and stay sober on their own, but the overwhelming majority of alcoholics and other types of addicts can’t. This last relapse before rehab may just be the best thing that ever happened to you. It just may be what you need to realize that you need professional help. That you can't do it alone. Don't risk a third relapse before rehab, you may notlive for a fourth. Yes, rehab can work for your even though you have had repeatedrelapses.

Relapse Before Rehab - Don't Relapse After Rehab

There are many types of drug rehabs out there. Some are run by big business conglomerates, where the bottom line is dictated by insurance companies and share holders. Some are run by the government, where the budget is the bottom line trying to balance inadequatefunding with overcrowding and long wait lists. And there is the small, private pay, holistic type of recovery facility. At Serenity Vista in Panama, the bottom line is your sobriety and health, mental, emotional, spiritual and physical. A holistic, affordable, discrete and out of country option, where your privacy is guaranteed.

Drug rehab doesn’t have to be scary white coats, sterile hallways and cafeterias. It can be an amazing location in the mountain tropics of Panama, fresh air and fresh food, great recreation activities, and intensive recovery healing. Don’t wait for another relapse, because addiction always gets worse. Act now.

I am so grateful for this amazing gift of sobriety and recovery. Today I am learning about peace of mind and serenity. I found an affordable, private pay rehab that understood me as an individual, and tailored my program for me. One day at a time, I have made a commitment to put my recovery first. I pray to my new found Higher Power that I had my only relapse before rehab, not after. ~ Francine