Before I attended Fair Oaks Recovery Center I wasn't sure what to expect, as I have never been an…read moreimpatient at a rehab center before. Right off the bat I attended all of the classes, speaker sessions, alumni night (while impatient), and AA meetings (I wasn't used to going to AA meetings). I never considered myself an addict until the prescription medications I was given started to alter my behavior for the worst, affecting my family.
What I like about this place is that it structures so many different aspects of psychological and physical therapy into the day. I was doing trauma classes with Tina (who is marvelous by the way), and Andy (who is also compassionate towards every guest). Theresa is an awesome, wonderful human being, who has an electric wealth of knowledge and wisdom. All of these three gave me the gift of looking past my shame and guilt, and to a future where I could be a service to others.
I went in after detoxing 7 days at home because I didn't want to relapse, so I removed myself from the world for a little bit. This gives the person the space to rethink their choices, and to develop new habits that lead to more improved behaviors. I suggest those of you thinking about only doing a seven day detox to rethink this choice, as working the program goes beyond just detoxification. You need to put in the work, and being vulnerable to change is the only way you'll ever get better.
Think of relapse prevention like a spider web. The more the web is laced with individual strands (tools: AA, NA, Sponsor, PHP/IOP, church, community service, therapist, psychiatrist, medications, self-confidence, self-love, etc.) the better you'll be able to handle whatever life throws at you, because life will throw the kitchen sink at you.
If you want help, it's good to be assertive. People won't be able to read your mind, but they're good at reading your body language. I felt shame and guild before I entered this place, I left with wisdom, friends.l, a foundation, and what I needed to do in order to not get loaded.
Your choice to select this establishment is going to be life-changing in so many ways, for the better. People that love themselves don't get loaded, they do EVERYTHING to protect themselves. They just don't hire anyone, they're very selective, and it' shows through the effort they put in to keep your eyes on the prize...your sobriety.