During a meeting at the Mac House last week a half dozen clients were asking why they weren’t allowed to use “Spice” and “Bath Salts” while at TLC. After all, they could buy them legally - so why couldn’t they use them?
The managers pointed out that alcohol and prescription painkillers are also legal. But clients can’t use them either.
During a post meeting follow-up several of our managers were amazed that anyone would think it acceptable to use mind altering or intoxicating substances while living in a recovery program.
When clients come in they sign an agreement that says they’re willing to go to any lengths to change. But sometimes - once the painful memories of what happened while they were using subsides - they forget that agreement. Their addictions take them back to the state of mind they were in before they arrived.
So what to do when a group of clients think they can still use? Do we discharge them as an example to other clients? Do we counsel them about why they’re in a recovery program? Or do we take a wait and see approach?
It’s never an easy decision when we’re confronted with clients who have this attitude.
No comments:
Post a Comment