My first full day in alcohol addiction rehab was rather strange. To start with, I approached it with the attitude of just going through the motions. I was still so stubborn and pig headed that I had refused to book in for more than 14 days. I was only going to do this my way, so though 28 days was recommended, I would not agree to that. The clinic took me and my ex agreed to book me in for just 14 days in the hope that I would see some sense somewhere along the way. So, I thought to myself – just get through 14 nights, then you can go home (to what? I was not planning to drink or not to drink. I could only think in terms of getting through the agreed 14 days).
Fellow rehab ‘Inmates’
I was in a newly set up clinic and was their 5th patient. One had already left and my fellow ‘inmates’ were all lovely people. June was a few years older than me and had alcohol and cocaine issues. She had been in treatment in Spain some years before but had relapsed. Mick was a few years younger than me and was in for alcohol, as was John, an older man, who had been sent to rehab by his family who were concerned about his drinking.
Within the week we were joined by Rick, a man from the North who owned a number of businesses and Georgio, an alcoholic web designer who turned out to be a Walter Mitty character. The 6 of us formed a great bond (slightly less strong with Georgio). We helped each other get well – that is the miracle of rehab which only those who have been there will understand. You meet people you would never meet in your normal world, have a massive thing in common (the misery of your addiction and the change you experience pretty much as soon as you get into rehab).
Rehab Timetable
Being a very structured, organised person, I looked at my timetable for the first day and saw that group therapy was the first thing scheduled so I went to the allocated room in readiness. The counsellor, Gordon, was there, all ready to take us out to the health club. Group therapy was rescheduled. My first lesson was therefore that I was no longer in charge. I had to go with the flow and accept change.
Too Weak To Swim
I did not have any swimming things (my packing was nowhere near that thorough) and even if I had, I was too weak at that point to swim. I could barely crawl up the stairs at the health club and had to hold on to the banisters (I also remember my jeans sliding down all the time as I had got to be so thin). June and Mick went off to use the facilities, John and I sat with Gordon and had a coffee there. I can remember John talking about his various printing and laundry businesses. I just sat quietly biding my time and eeking it out. We went back to the clinic, had lunch and then the real work began.
I can’t remember much about my first group except I quite enjoyed it. There were just four of us with Gordon the counsellor, and I actually laughed. I can also remember enjoying getting some attention again and finally emerging from my isolation. I began to think I might find being in rehab an OK experience.
That evening we went out to an AA meeting, then back for bed – and I had survived my first day.
The Haynes Clinic is an alcohol, gambling and drug rehab clinic which offers detox and counselling for people with addictions.
Call 01462 851414 for free and confidential advice.
