The Truth Hurts Sometimes by Kelly K
Kell Kettle wears his heart on his sleeve - he loves our clients and he loves the program of recovery we teach at our treatment center. Here is a blog Kelly wrote about the inevitable confrontations and bitter truths our clients must face during the course of treatment.
It is our job to tell you with the truth about yourself and your disease...
...it may be the first time someone has heard it.
...and it just might change their life, if it was easy everyone would be clean and sober.
Getting Sober Isn't Easy
Getting and staying clean and sober can be really tough. Our staff will confront our clients with a combination of bitter sweet truths and facts about themselves and alcoholism and drug addiction.
The solution that we share can be obtained through education on concepts like
- actions to take
- contrary action
- gratitude
- truths about ones self
Through education about concepts like these, we build a defense against that first drink or drug that takes time, effort, and change.
Role Playing in the Treatment Setting
Role playing is good as well. “Why are you here” discussion exercises are an example of an "eye opening" activity we have our clients participate in. While coming to Newport Beach is a beautiful experience, the reality is that the beaches, beautiful sunsets, and shopping sprees will not keep us sober. While these fun rehab activities are a sweet and very important part of recovery, it is the "bitter" ingredients that makes this combination magical. Several times a week we have “Why are you here" meetings during which we ask each client where they think they are in the treatment setting seeking recovery. Here are some topics that come up:
- Are you here for someone else?
- Do you still believe Alcohol is not a drug? Maybe you can still drink or you don’t have a problem?
- Are you on the fence?
- Are you not really getting into action?
- Can you honestly say that you have a defense against that first drink or drug craving?
- Are you doing what is suggested?
- Are you taking direction?
- Do you have a morning meditation regimen?
- Do you have a sponsor?
- Are you are working the 12 Steps?
- Do you have phone numbers to call (of other recovering people)?
- Are you are participating in meetings - and your own recovery - one day at a time?
The Reality - Not All Are Ready
In a perfect world all the people that come to us would leave here and live happily ever after.
The reality is that for some of who come here the best we can do is "plant seeds." When these clients are ready they know where to go and maybe what critical mistakes may have been made.
We confront our clients with the truth 7 days a week. Of course, since we are Sober Living by the Sea, these truths are a little easier hear in this paradise surrounding. Newport Beach is like a recovery mecca with the thousands of varied 12-Step meetings going on day and night.
All of this happens right on the beaches with the sound of the waves and marvelous sunsets as the backdrop.
So yes, we confront our clients with the truth.. but we confront them with love and the knowledge that virtually our entire staff has been through treatment (and many of them here at this very facility).
We try to give each client 100% and sometimes feelings are hurt we never want someone to leave where and opportunity to be helpful was not exhausted.
We care enough to tell you the truth.
- Kelly Kettle
