Half Measures

In the 12-step literature we often hear the phrase, “half measures availed us nothing.”

While working in this field for over 20 years I’ve seen many clients who take half measures - or less - when working on their recovery.

For example, we recently received a young client who was desperate for help.  His family was done with him. He was dope sick. He was broke. His girlfriend had dumped him.  The dope man wanted to hurt him because he owed for drugs purchased on credit.  In summation, his life was a mess.

During the intake interview he was a tearful, emotional wreck.  But he was willing to whatever it took to change his life. He was on fire to do something different – to start over.

However, at around two weeks that willingness subsided.  The change seemed to begin when he started to feel better after his withdrawal from the drugs. He’d also gotten some rest and had put on a few pounds. The family was talking to him again.

And then he started coming late to groups. He began having trouble getting out of bed in the morning for meetings. He didn’t want to clean his living area. All of a sudden the food wasn’t acceptable. He became bored. His attitude morphed into one of entitlement.

He’d arrived at the point when many clients relapse – or leave.  While we’ve encouraged this client to get back to a state of willingness - only time will tell.

Hopefully he’ll turn it around so he doesn’t have to learn more hard lessons.