Friday, June 27, 2014

Insanity Returns

A common definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.

I thought about this today when I heard of a former client’s exit plan. His plan is to first find employment. And then save enough money to move to a three-quarter house in another program – one that has few rules or guidelines.

The problem though, is that when he followed this plan a few months ago he had a needle in his arm within 24 hours of leaving TLC. As a result he nearly died of an overdose. He woke up in the hospital after a Good Samaritan called paramedics.

After leaving the hospital he came back to TLC, full of contrition. He said he planned to do better and listen to our suggestions.

And for a while he did. He went to groups. Found a sponsor. His attitude and demeanor were completely different. Once in a while even a little humility showed up.

His health improved and he often expressed gratitude that he didn’t succumb to the overdose that sent him to the hospital.

Then he comes up with the same plan.