I have a pretty serious drinking problem which has caused me to "call in sick" too often at my job. I finally confessed to my supervisor that I have a drinking problem. I should have been fired long ago, but because I appealed to them for help, the company is willing to keep me on the payroll provided that I seek treatment for my addiction. Here's my dilemma: where I live, every alcohol/chemical dependency treatment program is based on Alcoholics Anonymous and its 12 Steps. I have an intrinsic aversion to anything even remotely associated with a Higher Power, God, Jesus, etc. I need to find a treatment facility ( either residential or out-patient) that'll help me get sober without all the spiritual mumbo-jumbo associated with AA and the 12 Steps. I live in Corpus Christi, Texas and it's important that any suitable treatment program be located somewhere nearby--preferably Austin since I have sober friends there. But I guess anywhere in Texas will do. Any suggestions?
posted on Feb 5, 2008 - 30 answers

You could call me an alcoholic in that I have drunk nearly every day for ten years. I am 34 years old. I am thin and healthy looking. Because I’m asking in part for medical advice I want to be very specific about the amount I drink. [more inside]
posted on Feb 1, 2008 - 36 answers

What to do now? I'm a single, mid-thirties female, and I have a crush. Oh, wait. It's a lot more complicated than that. I'm sorry this is so long... [more inside]
posted on Jan 16, 2008 - 37 answers

Any recommendations for online communities for people recovering from substance abuse? While I am not anti-12 Step, I would like an alternative.
posted on Nov 16, 2007 - 4 answers

My fun, happy, fairy-tale marriage of 2 months is imploding because my husband suddenly can't accept my past. Super-long explanation inside. [more inside]
posted on Mar 30, 2007 - 70 answers

Does it ever stop? I am a "recovered" heroin addict. Or maybe now I can say I "was" a heroin addict. I've been clean for 8 years, I have children, a career, a semblance of a responsible adult life that I am content with at 36, friends, the arts. I write grants for charities. I don't have to hide my past, it just doesn't come up anymore. But I dream of dope sometimes- vivid dreams in my sleep. If I am stressed out, my thoughts occasionally wander there... [more inside]
posted on Mar 1, 2007 - 27 answers