Update time!
I'm pleased to share with you that another anniversary has passed, it has now been 5 years since I completed my 10 days at Schick Shadel Hospital. Still not a single thought or desire or craving for alcohol!
I remember being advised: Don't test your aversion. I certainly haven't, however I am confident the aversion remains in me. I generally don't have a problem being around friends or coworkers who are drinking, however it has happened a couple of times that the smell of alcohol caused me to feel sick. Here's an example: In September I was visiting London for work and a couple of my colleagues and I visited a pub at the end of the day. We sat outside beside the sidewalk, my friends with their beer and me with my tonic water. Now, we were outside and I could barely smell their drinks, but after some time I actually had to get up and visit the toilet because I was sure I was going to vomit. I nearly did, but didn't end up going all the way. I was amazed how strong the aversion remains to this day.
Life still has its challenges and stress, but I'm still very grateful for the care I got at Schick.
Thank you to all of the commenters who post to this blog, it is truly a blessing that my experience can help others make the choice to get treatment.
Read from the bottom
| Since this blog is presented in reverse-chronological order you should start reading from the bottom and work your way up. |  |
13 comments:
I just finished reading your blog. Thank you for writing it. I am searching for inspiration and was moved to tears by how the tone of your post became more hopeful and joyful over time.
Congrats! This is so awesome to read. I am 10 months out of schick and doing so well! Love hearing success stories
Wes,
Congratulations on your five years of sobriety! What an amazing accomplishment! For me, five days of sobriety seems like a lifetime; five years I simply cannot fathom. I found your blog after finding the Schick Shadel website and doing some research on the hospital. I'm curious as to how they handle drug use, opiates specifically. I know you're poison was alcohol, but I was wondering if there were any drug users at the hospital when you were there, and if you could briefly summarize their treatment for me? Is it the same as with alcohol? Or completely different? If you'd be so kind as to respond it would be greatly appreciated, and I thank you in advance ;).
Best,
Zoe M.
Zoe.mello@icloud.com
Zoe,
I'm not very familiar with the treatment for opiate use. There were people there treating for oxy and other stuff while I was in, but my vague memories have faded. I believe the treatment is different but I don't know enough to try to advise.
http://www.schickshadel.com/addiction/oxycontin_addiction.php
I'd suggest calling the hospital and ask about their success rate for opiate recovery, I know they claim high numbers for former alcohol users like me. If the treatment works as well as mine did, that would be quite good. :-)
Wes:
So glad to hear that all is well with you. I was right behind you 5 years ago and have garnered great strength from your posts. I too am amazed each and every day that I don't crave, I don't care and I don't want to drink. EVER! Thanks for sharing.
Kirt
My husband is in Schick right now, in fact, he was scheduled for his first Duffy today and was very nervous about it. Your blog has been a wonderful "guide" for me to read, and learn what he'll be going through each day. As a worried spouse at home, it helps a lot to have a glimpse into the schedule. I hope and pray he finds the same success that you have! Congratulations on your 5+ years of sobriety!
Wes,
Thank you for this blog. My father just admitted to me he's an alcoholic and he's seeking help. Of course, Schick came up and I had my doubts. But after reading your blog, it gives me hope. My dad has taken the first step in dealing with his illness by admitting it, but I'm eager to get him into treatment and on his way to a full recovery. Thank you! You are an inspiration.
What an inspiration! Up until this day, you manage to control yourself and keep the aversion for alcohol. You should be proud of yourself! Why not encourage your friends, as well, to do the same? You could save their lives, for all you know.
Dinah Gerdts
Thank you for posting the ongoing status. Thinking about going to Schick but scared to death of the aversion treatment. Good to read current update from 2013 from you. I am curious if you met people while in treatment who basically only drank socially but in these situations it was often binge drinking.
I'm so excited I came across your blog, today, April 4th, 2014...I go in on the 6th and am scared but so ready to be done with this alcohol addiction! My family deserves to be free of this disease!! Your story has given me hope that IT DOES work, and I know I want it. Thank-you for your it and congrats on your sobriety!!
Tamara B.
Any recent graduates of Schick Shadel? I am going in less than a month and although I'm ready to have my life back, I'm scared. More afraid that not even aversion therapy will work...more afraid of that than the treatment itself. Any words from graduates of the program would be a consolation for me! thanks to the person who started this blog...your story is an inspiration!!! 5 years is infathomable and fantastic!!!
Congrats to you ! I just hit the 27 months,I can be around it for a short time My Sobriety is very well. Thanks
Hello Wes,
As always it is good to see your sobriety is as strong as ever. I just passed 6 years and 4 months. My decision to enter into the doors of Schick Shadel Hospital, was the best decision I had made in my life. Through education, good choices, and self-care, today I protect my sobriety. Over the past 6 years it has been an amazing experience to look back and to see who I have become.
This past December 2013, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral studies; while working full-time and attending college, this was along 4 ½ year journey. Currently, I am looking to go back and earn my Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. This is all pending the funding information which I hope to receive soon.
I think one of the biggest lessons or advice I could give to someone who chooses to seek treatment is this. We must work daily on our self and to truly learn who we are: to allow ourselves to love our self first, to allow for barriers and future obstacles to occur, to learn what emotions are and how to process the emotion in a healthy manner, and to read the Four Agreement’s OVER and OVER.
As always, I wish you continued success Wes! If anyone wants to e-mail me, my e-mail address is below. I treated for alcoholism.
Take care,
Laura W. formerly from Fall City, WA
Ms.Laura_Wilson@hotmail.com
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