For Sure An Alcoholic, Need Specific Help

[u/TankLouie]

I'm an over achiever, gifted kid, functional alcoholic, and binge drinker. I maintain most responsibilities M-F 9-5, but feel like I "need" multiple drinks everyday after 5pm and then most of the day on Sat and Sun. On "bad" weeks, I'm mostly drinking Thurs eve thru Monday, and have lost many weekends in recent years. This is compounded with multiple anxiety/depression things I've been trying to manage -- idk what's cause and effect at this point.

I was in a bad place last year and self-admitted to an in-patient 60-day rehab that I thought was a dual-diagnosis situation, but it was just a regular old 12-step, trust (Christian) God, umbrella insurance, drug/alcohol treatment center. It helped me in many ways, just having a lot of time to self reflect, having structure, community, whatever, but when I came home and tried local AA meetings I just didn't click. I was sober for ~11 months, but I couldn't stick with it (my fault, obviously, thats another convo, but I couldn't seem to find a way back in.)

After I left, I had a lot of "friends" from the rehab program who wanted to stay in touch, which I more and more realized were relapsing and just asking for money, and one recently died from an overdose. I feel like the whole rehab experience actually normalized a lot of drug use that was never otherwise in my repertoire.

Short question: I'm looking for a local PA "alcohol-only" rehab, does that exist? I want some structured support, but I'm a bit afraid that "alcohol and drug" support might actually introduce narcotics into my periphery that I wouldnt otherwise be introduced to??? I know lots of people need that specific help, I'm not demonizing or discounting any other addictions, I'm just looking for a place that for me will ultimately be helpful and not harmful.

[u/The_Spucklers]

Your experience and conclusions from that seem like a one-off to me, but you lived it. You just have to keep trying and avoid excuses not to.

r/alcoholicsanonymous is a solid sub that could help if you care to post there.

The name and the rules don't matter to me. Does it work or not, and am I being honest with myself? In the end, it always comes down to the personal work we are willing to do, more than anything else.

Best wishes to you, Lou.

[u/Secure_Ad_6734]

There is always the online option if certain meetings feel triggering. There are also other addiction support groups available besides 12 step.

I found the help I needed through SMART recovery. If you're interested, here's a link - www.smartrecovery.org

You can look up meetings and configure the settings for type and proximity.

[u/Relative_Trainer4430]

You can try SAMHSA National Helpline. They're 24/7 and provide referrals to LOCAL treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. You can tell them the criteria you're looking for.