“How do you tell when an addict is lying? When his lips are moving.” - source unknown
The other day I handed an addict my cell phone so he could speak to his father about financing a stay at our program.
The man was trying to convince dad to spend the money for his treatment, even though he had enough money of his own to pay his way. The conversation carried on for over 15 minutes and the man lied to his father throughout.
For example, when he came in he told me he was using heroin. But he told his father he wasn't using street drugs. He said he’d been taking prescription meds for back pain from an injury he received while in the army. And his use of the pain pills had gotten him addicted. He needed to detoxify and get into treatment.
Finally, when it appeared the father wasn't about to give up several thousand dollars, the son angrily hung up the phone and left our office. Presumably to buy more heroin with the several hundred dollars he had in his pocket.
Perhaps one day he’ll get into recovery. Or maybe he’ll go to prison for a crimes committed while trying to get drug money. He might overdose. Someone might hurt him for the money has in his pocket now. There aren't a lot of pretty options when we’re actively using.
We’ll leave the light on for him.
I have come to know that dead end road is a cul-de-sac. The poor house, funeral home and the big house line up around the end. But since it is a cul-de-sac, there is a big area to turn around and head your life in the other direction!
ReplyDeleteAnd if it's at night, and it's dark, John has left the light on. So you can see where to turn around. Thanks for the lights.
RET