Guaranteed Recovery?

so I contacted a representative of the detox.

Here is our correspondence...

You are now chatting with 'Carla'

Carla: Hi How can I help?

you: Does the treatment you offer include the 12 steps and alcoholics anonymous?

Carla: The treatment is a dual diagnosis program that gets to the root of the problem and not just the addiction

you: Does the treatment involve AA and the 12 steps at all?

Carla: Twelve steps is talked about and for those that want to delve deeper it is a part of the recovery process however, each persons treatment is different and tailored to your needs

Carla: Do you want it to be a part of the program?

you: Here is a quote from AA's big Book... "Once more: The alcoholic at certain times has no effective mental defense against the first drink. Except in a few rare cases, neither he nor any other human being can provide such a defense. His defense must come from a Higher Power." pg 43 How can you guarantee that a higher power will step in on my behalf?

Carla: We don't. We talk about what triggers your addictions and how to address those in healthy ways.

Carla: If a Christian approach is needed we have treatment facilities available for that, but it is not the blanket approach for everyone

you: What if I despise AA... What can I expect as far as individualized treatment goes? Will I be coerced to attend AA?

Carla: Is it the "Higher Power" part that you despise?

you: I believe that AA is a religious cult dressed up to look like a treatment for alcoholism. I have been in and out of AA for 18 years and can't stand it anymore. I believe the continuous assault on my character is causing more harm than good.

Carla: Our approach is about admitting that you are powerless against your drug and you have to learn how to tap into a Higher Power i.e. self awareness, nature, etc. We aren't interested in introducing you to religion, we want to help get you healthy and figure out why you have the addiction, how to recognize the triggers and how to deal with them in healthy ways.

Carla: We don't want to shame anyone into treatment

you: Thankyou. It sounds like AA to me.

Carla: It sounds to me like you need treatment and I would like to help you. Would you be willing to learn more about our programs before making up your mind?

you: Not if you are going to try to sell me a bunch of faith healing bullshit.

Carla: I'm not. I already told you that I am not interested in exposing you to a religion. I am sorry that AA has let you down but our program is so much more than AA

Carla: Your recovery will only be achieved by your hard work along side our group of experts

you: I don't believe that there is a higher power who even cares whether or not I drink alcohol.

Carla: Ok do you believe that you are powerless over the addiction and need help from doctors to get and stay well

you: No... I don't believe I am powerless... I just believe that I need to learn some skills that might help me. Maybe I'll try naltrexone.

Carla: Ok, so will you let me help you to go into treatment to learn those skills?

you: Not if it involves AA, higher powers, or any of that other cult bullshit.

Carla: Our treatment facilities will tailor make the treatment solution for you. So once you are admitted you will meet with the doctors and if AA isn't for you, that is fine

you: Do you have SMART Recovery?

Carla: If that is something you want to implement then that would be what you would talk to them about. There is no cookie cutter road to recovery. You would be involved in the process

you: Do you have naltrexone?

Carla: You would have a medically supervised detox and we will do everything we can to keep you comfortable.

Carla: If it is medically necessary and appropriate, then yes

you: I don't have insurance. How much does it cost?

Carla: The price would vary depending on if you need detox. I would say a ballpark price for private pay would be around $20,000 including detox

you: $20,000 for 90 days of treatment?

Carla: That would be around 35 days. Again that is a guess. I would need to do an assessment and have a lot more information to give you a real price

you: Okay... Thankyou for your time.

Carla: Let me give you my number in case you want to call me

Carla: *************

you: Thankyou

Carla: I can also give you the number for the state if you want state funded treatment

Carla: What state do you live in?

you: Massachusetts

Carla: ***********

you: I don't need that number thankyou

Carla: I want you to get treatment. Even if it is not with us. So if you need to call for help or for other numbers feel free

you: Thankyou

Carla: your welcome