I realized the other night that I forgot to commemorate January 6, my anniversary date for finishing my ten-day stay. Before the new year it occurred to me that I was coming up on three years and that I'd need to update this blog, but then a couple of weeks passed and I missed the day entirely.
This means that with regard to my recovery things are great. Another year gone by with never a single thought to have a drink.
Well, that's not entirely true.
In November some bad news was visited upon me. The company I own was named in a lawsuit (unjustified of course) and when it first started to sink in that no matter the outcome it was going to cost us a lot of money, I experienced a kind of despair that I'd not really felt in a while. As I drove home I thought to myself that this was almost bad enough to get me to think about having a drink. Almost.
No, I didn't actually want a drink, I didn't crave it all. But I did recognize the trigger for what it was and I am so grateful that the help I received from Schick Shadel Hospital allowed me to sail past a pretty big storm. The storm isn't over by any means, it will likely be months before this is done, but I am doing remarkably well.
One of the things I used to hear at the weekly meetings was the idea that if you ever thought you might want to use again, play the movie forward to how using would work out this time. It wouldn't be long before I'd be worse than I was in my life before Schick. There was a voice in my head in the car that night that immediately reminded me of this advice. The entire mental journey from "this sucks" to "this is the kind of thing that could almost drive me to drink" to "Thank God I don't have to do that" happened in mere seconds. I didn't need to battle a craving, I didn't need to talk myself down, and best of all it all happened pretty much automatically.
I've been a non-user now for three years. The care and treatment I received at Schick Shadel prepared me tackling the challenges of life without any worry of going back.
Thank you for reading about my experience, I enjoy reading your comments.
12 comments:
Today is January 13th 2011. I forgot to commemorate yesterday as my 1 year anniversary date for finishing my 13 day stay at Schick. I guess that could be seen as a good sign. I don't have cravings for alcohol either. I've also had a couple times when I was desperate for an easy way out of a bad day and realized that starting drinking wouldn't work for me either. Congratulations on 3 years
Congratulations....I have you book marked and check in and I'm glad to hear you've made it to..and PAST three years :) WEll done....
Congratulations and thank you for the updates. I first read your blog while my son was at Schick and it helped me understand, talk with him about his experiences and be supportive. It's so good to hear of your continued good health and experiences. My son is coming up on his one year anniversary and doing great.
Congratulations! Still doing well myself. Enjoy your blog. Jeff from Kent
Hello Wes.
Laura here in Salem, OR. Jan 15th 2012 will be my 4th year of sobriety.I recall meeting you and also Jesse when you guys were on your 30 or 90 day?? As always take care! Laura
Hi Wes,
I sincerely enjoyed reading your blog and believe (hope) all that you've written is your true experience, that you are a real person and not affiliated somehow with S&S. I've given this all thought for some time and realizing as I quickly approach 40 the time is probably imminent. I can not say with sincerity that I look forward to the experience of Duffy's Butterflies, or "sleepy" time but logically it makes more sense to me than does the approach of AA which I just can't wrap my head around even though I believe strongly in a higher power. If you have time or the inclination, please respond in brief. Thanks. Paul
Paul,
I am a real person and I have no affiliation with Schick Shadel. This blog started out as a way for me to document the experience for myself but it grew into a way to help others. I don't post a lot, but everything I've written here is true and I am glad you enjoyed reading about my treatment and recovery.
Schick Shadel's program has worked very well for me, and I hope when you are ready it will help you too.
Thanks Wes, I appreciate you getting back to me. I may have other questions for you in the future and would like to see if you'd be willing to communicate with me directly, though I will understand completely if do not wish to do that for whatever reason. If so, paul99755@yahoo.com. Thanks
Hi Wes,
You didn't blog a 2 year update! Are you still doing well? My other half just went through Schick and, while reading reviews on Schick, I came across your blog. I am so happy I did as it really explained what he was going through on a daily basis. As a spouse it was nice to know what was happening on the inside, from a once insider. My sweetie is doing great and is so happy he finally made a positive choice to get help. I've recommended your blog to the counselor at Schick that worked with him as I think it is hugely beneficial to families that are struggling at home. Hope all is well! Please update your blog when you can. It really is helpful for we outsiders to read.
Blessings and Best Wishes for a Healthy and Happy 2012
Paul, I encourage you to read the book Drink Up! by Kathleen S. Here is a link to it on Amazon. I think between her book and this blog you'll know more about what to expect at Schick than most other patients. When you get ready to make plans with the hospital give them a call and they can answer any remaining questions you have.
Dear Anonymous from Jan 19,
I'm very glad to hear he's doing well. And thank you for your kind words. I know I'm late with an update, but I have been working on a draft so it should be up soon.
Thanks so much for the gift of this blog Wes. Reading it has convinced me that Schick is the right path for me. I booked my flight last night and check in to Schick tomorrow afternoon. Not looking forward to Duffys but can't wait to no want booze!
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