Homeless Addict Becoming Peer Counselor

Miracles constantly occur here at TLC. Last night a client who has relapsed several times told us he had been invited to join a training program to become a peer support provider.

I call this a miracle because at one time this client was so angry he wouldn't open his mouth in group. He would just sit there for an hour and a half, arms crossed, and contribute nothing to the discussion. One time during group he said "I don't know if I'm even going to be here next week." And sure enough, he wasn't. He’d consciously decided to make another run at drinking and living on the streets.

But here, some five years later, the man is nearing a year of sobriety. He is in counseling for his anger issues. He has a sponsor. He is outside of himself. And he can use his extensive experience as a serial alcoholic who lived on the streets to help someone else in a similar situation.

It would be nice to be able to take 100% credit for this man's turnaround. But that's not reality, nor is it the truth. His progress in recovery has been a joint effort. But most of the work he has done himself. Yes, we did provide the framework. But he's done the work. He's the one who didn’t run away and start drinking again, and living on the streets.

I’m not sure what our success rate is. And it doesn't make a lot of difference. No one knows what people do and they leave our program. But to be in the presence of such an amazing change in behavior makes all the failures is worthwhile. Yes, I wish we could help 100% of the people, or 75% of the people or even half the people. But change doesn't come from us. It comes from our clients. We just point the way.

When I see the changes this man experienced I start my day with enthusiasm and vigor. One of the great blessings of this business is being able to help others change their lives. And part of that blessing is the realization that if this man changes it influences those around him - his children, his associates and the others in his life. It is a ripple effect that may be passed down through time.