Callers often ask why we use a 5-Day format. We know the answer isn’t obvious so here’s a short version.

It takes about that long to figure out why you’re abusing alcohol; consider better alternatives; reorganize your day-to-day life where needed; and to establish the working relationships we need to continue through the 12 weeks of follow-up.

Additionally, alcohol abuse exists “in context” and needs fixed within that context. It’s usually pointless, even counter-productive, to “go to rehab” for 30, 60, or 90 days. That’s just a vacation from reality and when you get back home, well, nothing has really changed and you’ll soon find yourself reverting.

Besides, who can afford to invest that amount of time and expense on a program that rarely, if ever, works? Instead, our client centered approach provides a little distance and perspective, but very little disruption.

We also involve spouses whenever possible – because when you change, they’re affected, and it’s good to prepare for that too. Again, where others isolate you even more than you already are, we seek to end the isolation that is one of the many common causes of alcohol abuse.

This can all be managed in 5 days because we’re only working with one client at a time. We’re not distracted, neither are you. We actually provide more hours of real services than any 90 day program we’ve been able to find – and we do it without groups and other time wasting, and confidentiality shattering, “fillers,” like “meetings,” “step work,” or housekeeping chores.

The result is that by the time Friday rolls around, we know each other pretty well and have established the basis for the 12 weeks of follow-up phone sessions, support, e-mails, and so on. This time frame cements change so that you can look back on alcohol abuse as a “been there, done that,” activity – not as the crippling focus of the rest of your life.

But then, we don’t want you going back to abusing alcohol – the other thing that makes us different from most of the other programs.

Of course, you may have many more questions, so please call and let us help sort out what’s most apt to work for you.

Other Family Members Suffering From Alcohol Abuse

Recently we were thinking about some of the real, if unintended, victims of alcohol abuse. And they aren’t always other people.

Frequently it’s the loyal dogs, cats, and other pets – companions really – who suffer. Neglected, unfed, un-walked, unappreciated, and lonely, they suffer quietly with no recourse. They can’t even leave.

We don’t minimize how much these animals contribute to our own lives. Mary Ellen’s Shogun, an Australian shepherd mix, keeps us company around the office on many days.

At home, Ed’s Jazz the Elderly Beagle and Sophie the Bat Eared Dog complete his family.

Yes, Shogun, Jazz, and Sophie are family.

Are you neglecting loyal family members who contribute so much to your life in return for so little?

Years ago there was a Minneapolis Humane Society billboard that showed a bouncing Golden Retriever and the caption: “She doesn’t care where you’ve been. She’s just glad you’re home!”

We hope that, wherever you’ve been, she hasn’t been left uncared for. Unfed? Un-watered? Not let out? Un-petted? Un-tummy rubbed? Ears unscratched?

There is almost no limit to what a pet can contribute to our lives. Please don’t let alcohol abuse shortchange them, or you.

And……

“AA – Not the Only Way“ The Second Edition of Melanie Solomon’s guide to alternative resources is worth reviewing and fills an important gap in finding help.

Questions? Please! Always feel free to call – for information or just to talk. One of us answers the phone personally from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time, Monday – Thursday, unless we are with clients, or from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.