Saving Clients From Themselves - Treatment Center Blog by Kelly K and Tif B

I asked a client the other day what his favorite meeting was that we offer.

I was a little surprised at his answer when he said Cinema Therapy, totally interested

I dug deeper to find his favorite group of all time was when they watched Brave Heart.

After speaking with him for a moment longer it became very obvious to me that part of our obligation here at Sober Living by the Sea is to try our best to have our clients practice contrary action. We must also encourage them to get involved in the recovery process that has worked for millions, no matter how foreign or uncomfortable the process may seem. A price has to be paid. We encourage them to Invest in a brighter and better future

It was later that week when I was reading page 25 in the Alcoholics Anonymous book; it hit me like a ton of bricks. I had read page 25 maybe 100 times before, but this time it had a much different effect. This is how the program works as we grow as individuals; meanings change and become more enlightening.
 
In a twelve step based recovery program, there are going to be many people who do not like the process when they are going through it. It covers that issue right there on page 25 of the Alcoholic Anonymous book.

There is a Solution

Almost none of us liked the self-searching, the leveling of our pride, the confession of shortcomings which the process requires for its successful consummation.

The world is increasingly becoming aware of what a life threatening disease addiction is. People will have to understand that we will no more leave out the solution to alcoholism (which is not all peaches and cream) than a sky diving instructor would allow a student to jump out of a plane without a parachute because it was uncomfortable. An ethical doctor would not avoid giving a life saving vaccine, just because the injection may cause some short term discomfort...

We are in the health care business and catering to clients with great customer service is one of the ways that we separate ourselves from others in our field.

Where we stand firm, with no thought of making changes, is in the solution outlined in the book of Alcoholics Anonymous. This solution has helped millions recover from seemingly hopeless states of mind, body and living situations.

It is the Integrity of our program, our dedication and our steadfast commitment that encourages us to maintain our direction of the sometimes uncomfortable and painful recovery process. The alternative is years of untreated addictions (that will prove many times more painful).

We have many clients and co-workers alike that come up with all sorts of fun ways to help improve our program and yes we try to keep an open mind.

 We must protect ourselves and our core (the 12 steps and 12 traditions) from the “30 day wonders.” These are those who have started to recover physically and think they “have it together and don’t need anything more.”

There is nobody that is too stupid to recover from alcoholism or drug addiction, though each year it is proven that millions of addicts and alcoholics are just too darn smart.

The road of life will always be bumpy. As we stay sober the bumps can become fewer and farther between with a design for living that is proven to work.

The responsibility is ours to keep the course.


 - Kelly K. and Tif B.