After 3 long weeks of trying to get my medical records transferred over to Hazelden, I got the call this morning they finally recieved them! I am happy and terrified at the same time..I know i need to go for the 30 days but leaving my boyfriend and my animals for that long terrifies me. The longest Ive been away from home was 5 days (my recent hospital stay) and it wrecked me. I will also most likley lose my job. The rehab is 3 hours from home one way and visitation is only Wednesdays and sundays. But its one of the best there is. I wonât be telling my dad I am going because he doesnt approve of the distance. (Its 4.5 hr drive for him one way) He also thinks i dont need to go now since i detoxed in the hospital for 5 days. He doesnt understand. He too is an alcoholic but high functioning. 7 days clean today, cant help but cry instead of celebrate. Just soo many emotions.
Really, really good news youâre going into rehab! I remember when I went to my first rehab, I was really nervous and anxious, but when I got there, I was relieved because I was with like-minded people and helpfull staff. I truly hope you wonât lose your job, but sobriety comes first because thatâs the only way we can keep ourselves alive. Drinking and using drugs will eventually kill us, so cherish every moment you got in rehab. When are you leaving? Can you use your phone in there? It would be great to read your updates!
Wishing you great things. Taking this step is fantastic for your long term sobriety. I understand being away from home. Sounds like you have support of someone who can care for your home and animals. Keep us posted on your progress. I am glad you found us.
Im hoping i feel the same way when I get there! And im not sure yet when im leaving. Im waiting to here back from the rehab case worker today but it will be this week. I canât have my phone during detox but then i can have it back afterwards. Not sure how that will work since ive been clean for 7 days already. But yes you are right, its the only way to survive.
Thank you soo muchđ And yes im very lucky to have my boyfriend we live together and been together almost 10 years. He is my biggest supporter in this. Which is why I dont want to be away from him. But i know I have to do this. Not sure what day ill be leaving exactly but it should be this week.
Got word Ill be leaving for rehab tomorrow. Checking in at 330pm. 
SOO SURREAL! i dont know how to feel right now other than sad to be leaving my boyfriend and animals for 30 days 
Congratulations on your 7 days, thatâs huge and itâs a great first step! I wish you all the best at rehab, and I hope you come out with the realization that sober life is truly a beautiful thing.
I look forward to hearing more about your sober journey, stay strong and just take it One Day At A Time 
7 days clean! Anxious asf. Got the medical clearance for rehab and will be heading there tomorrow. Its been a 3 week battle trying to get the medical records transferred but now its reallly happening. It feels surreal. Sad to leave to my boyfriend and animals behindâ:sob:. Which is the hardest part for me. My boyfriend of 10 years and I are very codependent. 
I also have to give up my vape for a nicotine patch. (Not looking forward to that) My vape is my crutch. Soo many what ifs and worries of what is to come.
Great that youâre leaving soon! I totally understand youâre nervous and scary about the new situation. Itâs perfectly normal. And youâre taking care of yourself, itâs beneficial for both you and your boyfriend. Donât be sad, your rehab is gonna be just fine and time flies and before you know it, youâre back and you can be sober for yourself, your boyfriend and your pets. Be proud of yourself, youâre doing amazing! Itâs gonna be fine!
Iâm not sure what part of the world you are in, but in the US, there are laws in place to prevent an employer from terminating you due to an extended absence you took for medical reasons (FMLA).
Depending on the job and your history/specific situation, it may be more nuanced than that, but I would look into it. I had to do the same previously and my job was secure through a detox stay and a few dual diagnosis admissions.
Thank you! Its a highly rated facility but still feel scared. Most likley wont be sleeping much tonight. I will continue venting my updates throughout this process.
I am in Wisconsin US. And i know about FMLA but last year I had reoccurent Cdiff and was out off and on for a total of 4 months and Im not sure if that will affect this current leave that i am on, since ive taking a lot of leave time already.
Hopefully it works out. Shouldnât have to worry about your job when youâre trying to get well.
Best of luck!
I think youâre making one of the best decisions you could possibly make right now. This 30 days is going to give you the tools for how to stay sober when you leave But Also get you through those first couple weeks where there might be triggers and it might be harder if you were doing it on your own. Itâs going to give your mind and body time to heal without having to deal with the pressures of life. One of the reasons for The 30 days is for getting you into a normal routine where you build some habits that you can do when you leave. Healthy habits and routines to help you stay sober. Your loved ones and family are going to have to accept the fact that youâre there for you. I know itâs hard to do this but donât think about your job right now or anything like that. Those things can be replaced but your life cannot. I know it sounds weird or funny to say this but this is like the best vacation you could be going on. Make the best of it when youâre in there. Get involved with the groups and meetings. Ask questions . journal and do a bunch of writing. And most importantly rest. Rest your mind and your body. 30 days is going to fly by and youâll be back to working and doing regular life things. Take advantage of this opportunity to Get your life together and get some tools and ways to help you succeed. I know Iâm just a stranger but Iâm definitely proud of you for doing this. Itâs normal to be anxious or overthink it right now.. But your main goal is to make it through those doors And stay. Stay and have a open mind
Iâve heard great things about Hazelden. My brother went there around 30 years ago. He hasnât had a drink since. He never looked back.
When I was released from the hospital back in January of 2024 he gave me an 8 minute pep talk. We donât usually talk much, but that pep talk stuck and I havenât had a drink since.
Youâre going to a world renown treatment center. I wish you all the luck in the world.
Thank you! 
My sponsor said the exact same thing! Im hoping I can heal from a lot of the unresolved trauma that has really led me to substance abuse as a coping mechanism since i was a teenager. My brother and boyfriend have been a huge support and are both taking me tomorrow. I havent told my sisters. My dad knows but thinks im cured after a 5 day detox in the hospital so I havent told him Iâm going and he wont know until Im already there. He thinks its too far of a driveâ:roll_eyes: But yes the drive there will be anxiety filled for sure and I wont be sleeping much tonight. But tomorrow is the day!
That is soo awesome and reassuring to hear! Thank you soo much!!
From what youâve written, I have a ton of confidence youâll do great. You have a great life ahead of you.
I bet your dad will be extremely proud. Give him some time. Heâs probably a little anxious too.
Thank you I hope you are right! 
Seems like you have a really great support system around you especially with your boyfriend and brother and thatâs awesome. Youâre definitely making the right choice and nobody else can tell you about going to rehab or not going. Thatâs up to you. I know for the longest time my parents didnât wanna believe it was a serious issue. It can be tricky dealing with parents. With time and hard work all Issues and trauma can be faced and worked though. With sobriety you give yourself a chance. There is hope with sobriety. As far as tomorrow Iâm wishing you the best of luck but you have a really good attitude and I know youâre gonna do just fine. Hopefully you can get some sleep tonight even with everything on your mind. And if you canât sleep and youâre really going through it you can always come on here and itâs 24 seven and thereâs always Somebody to talk to or something to read