GoSober was the only program that made sense to me. Admitting your problem is a cliche, but it is truly the first step; however, along with that first step - as hard as it is in your state of mind during the struggle - is the process of determining how to dig your way out of the mess you have created in your own life and most importantly within your brain/mind.
When evaluating inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab and attempting AA and the cold turkey approach, I found that the options to me were not feasible.
Inpatient rehab would most likely result in losing my job. Outpatient rehab, I felt would have been consistent with trying on my own (quitting alcohol, trying to remain busy with tasks and hobbies - but alcohol would have been shouting at me from every direction).
AA - everyone loves a good story, and a story of triumph - but stories fade, and your problems are different. Although the stories had an initial impact and provided some motivation, I found myself reaching for the bottle when I returned home.
Cold Turkey was next to impossible, I could go a week, maybe two, but always found that voice inside my head telling me that I could "control my problem". Which never worked.
When I found GoSober - I also found that I was not alone and that I wasn't an "alcoholic" but that I was suffering from an imbalanced brain chemistry and that my "reward" system had been skewed from years of abuse. I was EXTREMELY skeptical at first - for anyone struggling, it's hard to believe that something can cure you quickly and effectively. Their approach; however, made sense and had tangible evidence to help show me what was wrong. Much like when a doctor shows you a test result, I was able to visually see and understand what had occurred in my body during my drinking days.
They provided some medication to assist with the withdrawals and then I was able to enter the infusion portion of the program once my body had detoxed. Although this was hard, having support and knowing there was a light at the end of the tunnel gave me some hope for the first time in years.
After a week of infusions, I already was starting to notice major changes in my body, my sleeping patterns, and my desire to drink had nearly disappeared.
Now two years out, I have become ambivalent to alcohol all together and can actually be around friends who are drinking without even the slightest interest in partaking.
Their approach recieves some negative reviews, as does any business, but I believe it's due to two factors:
First - the approach is holistic and although it allows you to quit - what it really does it give you your choice back. Some people, when given that choice, may choose to drink again. You have to be truly ready in your mind to give us alcohol and a lifestyle that you may have grown accustomed to for years or decades.
Secondly - the family portion of the program. There is not much support for the family members; however, this is done for a certain purpose. Family members can provide great support through this time, but they can also skew your view as to why you want to quit. You need to quit for yourself first - and everything else from there will follow. My counselor and life coach were both willing to let my wife join in during some of my sessions (at our request), but after an appointment or two, we discovered that this was a personal journey that I had to navigate. As hard as it was for her to not know what went on during the meetings - she also understood that I had to find myself during this journey or it would not be successful.
GoSober works, plain and simple. This very well could be the 'cure' for alcohol related disorders.
