My Daughter Has Been Drinking for 6 Months and Is Going to Rehab Tomorrow ...

by Rebekah Easleey
(Burlington, NC)

Mu daughter has been drinking excessively for 6 months and is very concerned about stopping. She has some severe physical and psychological problems and is using alcohol as a crutch.

She is scheduled to go into rehab tomorrow and is hoping not to be there for a long time. I know that there is outpatient rehab but she has been seeing her psychologist who recommended she go into rehab with her psychiatrist agreeing.

I think she is looking for a quick fix for all her problems with rehab but the problems are still going to be there when she is released.

I hope she isn't risking her job by taking the time to do this, but she hasn't spoken to her company representative for fear of being dismissed. (I think this is against the law).

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Answer

Hi Rebekah

You're right - Rehab is not going to be a quick fix to your daughter's problems, but it certainly is a good place to start, because she'll receive excellent treatment and learn how to start dealing with her problems.

But whatever she does, there is no quick fix, and how well your daughter does is ultimately dependent on how serious she is about making the changes and taking on board the advice she'll receive while in rehab. Positive and lasting change takes time and is an ongoing process that requires commitment and work.

Think of rehab as providing your daughter with the tools she'll need to start dealing with and overcoming the problems she faces. How she uses them however once she leaves is entirely up to her.

Most employers today are fairly supportive and understanding about these things, but even if they weren't there is no way they could fire her for admitting herself into rehab (unless it became an ongoing thing).

So give your daughter all your support. Going to rehab is a positive step and I'm sure the treatment she'll receive will be first class.

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