Thursday, April 17, 2014

Frustration

An overweight client with congestive heart failure seems unwilling to do anything about his condition.

Friends at TLC offered to help him develop better eating habits. Others have given him literature about weight loss. Some have talked to him about exercise.

He accepts the advice and literature in good spirit, acting as if he wants to change. But the next moment he’s eating something that shows he’s not serious.

On one occasion he was in a long discussion about wanting to lose weight. Then fifteen minutes later someone saw him eating a plate of pastry.

Within the past month he’s been to the hospital twice because of problems with his heart and blood pressure. His weight makes it painful for him to walk.

It's frustrating to deal with addicts - like this man - who have issues besides substance abuse. For one thing our experience and expertise is with addicts and alcoholics with the motivation to change.

We can only wish him well.