I hate it when addicts repeatedly relapse.
A while back an older man who had been in our program several times over the past eight years came up positive on a drug test. And of course he was discharged and probably headed back to the dope house.
This bothers me because I knew the man on a personal level. Over the past five or six years he worked for us as a volunteer manager and made many contributions to the program.
I've seen this happen so many times over the past 20 years that I wonder why I react when something like this happens again. After all, it says in the literature that if we're not spiritually fit that history is bound to repeat itself.
Perhaps it disturbs me because it reminds me of the vulnerability of us addicts and alcoholics. If we don't do what it suggests in the program we may be in the same situation as this man. When I see things like this I realize I need to pay careful attention to my program.
Am I working the steps? Am I talking to my sponsor? Am I sponsoring others? Am I doing a daily 10th Step? These are measures that will give me a chance to stay sober.
John,
ReplyDeleteOut of pure curiosity I researched TLC. To be honest I have not thought about TLC since I completed my 90 day program when I released from prison a decade ago....man how time flies.
I remember walking into the Mac House and speaking to Frank (I don't know how I remember his name)and having them inform me that I had to stay on site for 72 hours....after spending the last five years locked up that was something that I truly did not want to do and I argued with him about that and he said that I could leave.
I had been sober during my entire incarceration and went through programs in ADC so I was very standoffish about starting from scratch again.
It has been an amazing 10 years since I left. I have traveled around America conducting seminars on personal development for the last 8 years when I started my own company. I got married 4 years ago and have a wonderful 2 year old little girl and two great step-kids. I bought a home in Southern California where we all live (when I am not traveling...I am writing this from Alabama).
What you do is an inspiration. While there are undeniably failures (my friend Kris Olson, a former TLC resident who had to be kicked out while I was there passed away from his disease last year) there are successes...I am proud to say I am one of those.
15 years sober, no arrests since 1996, small business owner, father, husband, and friend.
Thank you for all you have done John and enjoy your time in Maui...I love Hawaii.
Nicolas,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your success. Your life story exemplifies what TLC is about. We wish every graduate could achieve what you have. If ever you're in the area and would like to tell your story at one of our monthly award ceremonies send me an email or call me at 602-763-2138.
John Schwary