Alcohol, Addictions & Recovery

Hello,

I live in Sarasota, Florida and I'm curious if anyone out there knows of a drug treatment program that really works?

I'm convinced that they are all temporary fixes. Even the high priced ones that only celebraties can afford.

It seems that everyone that I have EVER met that has gone through a court ordered Drug Treatment Program eventually goes right back to their old ways. Why are our tax dollars paying for this? The only reason that these people go to Drug Treatment is to avoid jail and it seems that in the Program they just end up meeting new "connections" for when they get out and off of parole.

What also confuses me is that the Drug Treatment Programs are always right in the middle of "Crack Town". I've known people that go to their mandatory meetings and stop to buy crack afterwards. If they have to do a P**s test they just sneak in some clean urine and I have yet to hear of anyone getting caught doing this.

Then there are the pain management clinics that are such a joke! These are run by Doctor's that encourage you to only pay in cash and to not use your insurance when picking up prescriptions. They scare you into thinking that you may run into the "pre-existing condition" dilemma if you ever have to switch companies. But they never have concrete evidence that it is true.

I'm completely shocked at how many people are addicted to opiates and painkillers and xanax. After working with a girl that would go around begging for painkillers, I started to think back and recognize the same characteristics and past acquaintences.

Why does it seem that there is no solution, or even a beginning to a solution, in the near future? This is the biggest epidemic ever and I feel like nothing is being done to educate anyone and stop this from ruining so many lives.

This was more of a rant, I hope someone at least has some encouraging words.

There are no miracle cures in this world for alcoholism/addiction that I know of - i.e. if someone does not want to get clean and sober, then nothing on earth can get them this way.  Treatment and AA saved my life, but I wanted to get well more than I wanted to drink and use.  Why?  I don't know - but I call it God's Grace.

Personally, I would rather my tax dollars go to getting some more treatment programs up and running instead of paying for all the inmates in jail.  It is estimated that well over 80% of the people in prison committed crimes while either under the influence or because of an addiction.  Jails are only holding cells until the same person gets out and continues committing more crimes.  Perhaps a dose of jail and mandatory treatment might make a difference in a handful of felons...

But again, unless the person wants to get clean and sober, there is not much anyone can do to help them.  Another statistic - about 10-12% of the world's population are alcoholics and/or addicts.  They do not choose to become addicted.  It is a proven scientific fact that their brain chemistry does not function like a "normal" person's does.  That is why someone who does not have an addiction problem cannot comprehend why so many of us just don't stop.  That is also why there is such a stigma about a disease like addiction.  And, it is also why so many people die without getting help. It is so totally misunderstood.

The good news is that treatment programs can and do work.  I am living proof of that.  In almost 15 years of recovery, I have met 100s of recovering men and women living full and productive lives.  Worldwide, hundreds of thousands of people are sober and clean today.  That is a great thing!

I think someone already said this...but I want to say it in a different way.

Drug programs do not work.  The people who go to the programs make them work IF they are ready to accept the suggestions and programs that are in place for recovery. 

Many people go to drug programs...for vacation from complaining families (so they can look like they are getting help)....or because they are close to losing their jobs (so they can look like they are getting some help).....because they are court ordered (because they are forced to go there).....because they are on the verge of divorce (so they can look like they are going for help)....OR because they really WANT help....and for the people that really want help.....it works! 

I have been all of those people except the court ordered person....and it never worked until I WANTED to stop drinking for myself.