I realized that I thought I should share that if you are just starting out and have Kaiser, they have what is probably the best chemical dependency program among insurers that is out there.
After I got laid off last year and had time on my hands, I went through their 15-day, full-time chemical dependency outpatient program. It only cost me $5 a day and granted access to not only a full day of therapist-led groups, educational programs, etc. but regular individual sessions with a psychiatrist and a therapist. I now attend their aftercare program, which is individually tailored but for me consists of two educational sessions a week and two relapse prevention groups. You can stay in that program for up to two years.
I am a strong believer in AA but CDRP (chemical dependency recovery program) gave me great information about the behavioral and medical processes of relapse, how addiction affects the brain, etc. that have helped me spot the beginning of the relapse process and take measures to stop it before I picked up a drink. It has been a great supplement.
So anyway, if you have Kaiser I would highly recommend it. It has really strengthened my sobriety.
Mahalo GG...that is such important information for anyone suffering from this life threatening and fatal disease of addiction to a mind and mood altering chemical(s).
Knowing where to get help and getting it was big between myself and early sponsorship who guided me toward finding and using every possible support system to gain and maintain my sobriety. No I didn't have Kaiser but had I; I would have done as you are doing now. It's a major thing that they deal with relapse awareness and prevention too.
