Cyrena - to answer your question, no. Why? TBH, for every M saving story like yours, I've heard/read another "made it far worse" story so we agreed on Retrouville instead. We haven't been yet because of the move and the schedule...but there is one in mid Jan in our area. Mistake? Don't know, what do you think?
I've also heard the scary stories about counsellors, but of the 4 I've seen in my life, 2 were excellent, 1 was good, and only the one who was assigned (rather than chosen by me) was useless. Careful selection, including at least a phone interview before committing, is crucial.
That said, I believe Retrouvaille can be deeply helpful. My only concern is that you won't be doing it until January--but it's NOW that your wife is in crisis. A counseller familiar with the addiction process would probably be able to help her understand how to cope with withdrawal, help you cope with the possibility of "one last cigarette," help her understand how to start thinking with her adult mind rather than her emotions, etc. Our C also gave my H his cell number to call when he wanted to call his EA again.
Congratulations on the run. What can you do for yourself this evening?
