An out-of-state client who's been with us more than once returns again for another try.
The last time he left, over a year ago, he went on a meth run and lived on the streets for a time. Periodically we'd see mug shots of him when he was booked into the Maricopa County Jail for some type of drug crime. In the photos he appeared beat down and not too happy. Understandably so.
But after he's back with us over 10 days he all of a sudden has to return home. Something about attending services for a friend who died of a drug overdose. And also to take care of "family business."
And of course, being the skeptic, I realize this man still doesn't have his priorities straight. Because I know his history and have worked fairly closely with him I don't believe he's done using.
In my 23 years of experience in dealing with addicts and alcoholics I've learned that we must focus on one thing: recovery. Because for a real addict or alcoholic nothing else matters until they deal with their most pressing issue.
When addicts start talking about the need to get to work. Or the need to take care of their family. Or they have to get back to school, I know it's only a smokescreen so they can get away from us and start back with their drug of choice.
Because if they need those things to stay sober then why did they end up with us first place?
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