I know that the person is the one that ultimately needs to hit rock bottom and make that decision for themselves, but when that person has hit various rock bottoms, do THEY need to decide to go to AA on their own for it to be effective, or does it still help to encourage them to go? Anyone know anyone who finally made a choice to seek help (and learn to quit) after more than 20 yrs of drinking?
2006-07-10 23:59:28 · 7 answers · asked by Lisa 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
also: this person lives very far and we have fairly limited contact.
2006-07-11 00:09:15 · update #1
If you force this person into AA they're not going to get anything out of it. They may "agree" to go, but they'll probably just sit there because they have to, and it won't do any good. Get professionals involved. At this point, one on one counseling may be better than any AA meetings. Maybe even a nice long stay at a treatment facility would do even better. But that'll be for the professionals to decide. Good luck.
2006-07-11 00:06:10 · answer #1 · answered by rocknrobin21 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I finally made the choice after 38 years of drinking and drugging. I had to go thru everything that I did to come to that decision. The part I hate is what everyone else had to go thru until I made that decision. Some people hit bottom (numerous times) and some go on to the bitter end without ever admitting they have a problem and admitting to a problem is the first and MOST IMPORTANT step in recovery. Until this person is ready for a change for themselves there is very little that you can do except say a little prayer that God's will be done in their lives. Some make to get help and sad to others run out of time. I will keep your friend in my prayers. Keep the faith.
T
2006-07-11 14:39:41 · answer #2 · answered by twhoodoo 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm 18 years clean off drugs and alcohol. The only thing you can do is introduce them to the program. Let them take it from there. You are too far away but that's what cell phones are for and email :) You can get the number to AA or NA in their hometown and call for a local meeting. Someone will even go pick your friend up. Call information for Central office of Alcoholics Anonymous. Someone is always there.
Give it a shot. It's worth it. Your friend might not think so now, but I promise, it is.
2006-07-11 07:15:48 · answer #3 · answered by Morgan B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do I know someone? Yes, I do. It took a long time and a lot of bottoms but he has been clean for over 2 years. I know a lot of people tried to talk him into going into the program but until he decided it was what he needed, it really didn't take. On the other hand, I would keep suggesting it to this person. You never know which day he will be listening.
2006-07-11 08:53:27 · answer #4 · answered by marty 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You've already received some good feedback, so mine will be quick. Try reading the book "Dry" by Augusten Buroughs to get a great glimpse into the psyche of a person suffering from addiction (particularly alcohol addiction). This is a very explicit book (i.e. cursing, memories of abuse, sexual encounters, repeated drug/EToH abuse) so be prepared. If you feel the book is appropriate, recommend it to your friend---it's a good way to send an important message, despite the distant b/t the two of you.
;)
2006-07-12 02:15:01 · answer #5 · answered by supernova 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They must want and attend programs on their own. Family and friends cannot do it for them.
2006-07-11 07:14:46 · answer #6 · answered by Starr 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you cannot get them to go to AA meetings then try taking them to church.
2006-07-11 07:05:37 · answer #7 · answered by PUTT 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋