Out-patient alcoholic treatment in DC

[Anonymous]

I am an alcoholic. High-functioning, but probably on the verge of crashing... where do I go? I can't do in-patient treatment (please do not ask me why, I would put myself at risk to be identified if I provide any details). I am also facing spending several weeks with family members who are also dependent on alcohol and in total denial. I am scared and worried about where to go from here

[Anonymous]

Call Aquila Recovery in Friendship Heights. You can visit them before making a decision--I strongly advise checking places out for fit etc. rather than blindly signing up without due diligence. When we used them they had an excellent psychiatrist who prescribes Vivitrol, which can be very useful in overcoming alcoholism.

From my research, I think inpatient rehab as the way to go if you can afford it is way oversold In fact, the vast majority have low success rates. Their schtick is that relapse is part of recovery and so success rates aren't the telling statistic you'd expect. All too often, though, this is a justification to keep doing more of the same failed approaches.

Outpatient programs can be successful, as can no program but working with a therapist familiar with addiction. And drugs like Vivitrol can really help. Many sear by AA, but it really isn't for everyone. On the plus side it is free.

Good luck.

http://www.aquilarecovery.com/

[Anonymous]

Thank you, PP! I saw their program listed, and I am going to contact them. I am not a good candidate for AA or inpatient rehab, as I probably wouldn't hit rock bottom the same way that 'mainstream' people do. I am well aware of my co-morbid conditions, but I have just barely held on until now, and I don't want to continue like this. I will give them a call tomorrow morning.

[Anonymous]

Kolmac Clinic- they have a few locations and run a well structured out patient program

[Anonymous]

PP here. Kolmac is another choice. But their patient profile may be far less of the professional one OP seems to have. Fit is very important, which is why it is so critical to check places out first.

While we know little about OP's circumstances, my guess is he or she would find Aquila a better fit. Also, I am a strong believer that Vivitrol should be offered as an option and last I checked Kolmac didn't offer it. (They may now.)

[Anonymous]

OP here, thank you for your posts.

Has anyone managed to quit drinking or reduce drastically without medications?

[Anonymous]

Another vote for Kolmac clinic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another vote for Kolmac clinic.

And believe me, they have their share of very high functioning professionals as clients.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another vote for Kolmac clinic.

And believe me, they have their share of very high functioning professionals as clients.

Thanks PPs, I made an appointment for detox for Friday. Scared and anxious but also hopeful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am an alcoholic. High-functioning, but probably on the verge of crashing... where do I go? I can't do in-patient treatment (please do not ask me why, I would put myself at risk to be identified if I provide any details). I am also facing spending several weeks with family members who are also dependent on alcohol and in total denial. I am scared and worried about where to go from here

OP, congrats to you for admitting the problem. That in itself is a huge accomplishment.

Are you are afraid of doing in-patient treatment because you fear losing your job? If so, I really encourage you to consult an employment attorney. Attorney consultations are completely confidential and anything you say is covered by attorney-client privilege and non-disclosable. Alcoholism is a disease. Asking for time off for rehab should be treated like asking for time off for any other medical issue. You are, to some extent, protected by anti-discrimination law and your employer must make some reasonable accommodations for your medical needs if you still can perform your job.

You may qualify for time off for rehab under FMLA or other sick leave/disability plans. Normally, your human resources department or Employee Assistance Plan can tell you about your options. HR typically is not supposed to tell your supervisor the reason for your FMLA request. But, if you fear that your info won't be kept private by a company plan or employee, then going privately to an employment attorney could be helpful to understand your options. There are even ones who specialize in security clearance issues, etc. Generally, attorneys charge from 250-500 an hour and most will charge you for 1-2 hours of time to listen to your story, give you general advice about your options, and then let you know if you can proceed on your own or with an attorney on retainer. If you happen to be an attorney, then you can also seek help from the Lawyer Assistance Program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another vote for Kolmac clinic.

And believe me, they have their share of very high functioning professionals as clients.

Thanks PPs, I made an appointment for detox for Friday. Scared and anxious but also hopeful.

Good luck OP. You can do it. If you can come on here to find help and then get yourself there of your own free will, that's going to be half the battle. Hope it goes well.

[Anonymous]

Good luck, OP. My brother just died of alcoholism last fall at the age of 61. He had been managing to function till he broke a vertebra in an accident and then his life just fell apart. I'm so glad you're doing something about this now. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much PPs! I went in today and started detox. It's hard, but I'm glad I decided to do it with medical support. Next week starts intensive outpatient therapy.

One day at a time!

[Anonymous]

Good luck OP!

[Anonymous]

Good luck!