Today we get news that a treatment client who was with us two or three times since 2012 suddenly died.
He was reportedly sober and doing well when he passed and that's as much as we know. But knowing a little about his history and the severity of his alcoholism I can't help but think that his chronic alcohol use - even though he died sober - contributed to his death.
While he was participating in our treatment program he was mostly positive and upbeat. He knew the severity of his disease and did what he could to regain his health. He was enthusiastic about fitness and was a regular at the gym.
He also had other health issues - of which he was aware - and he never downplayed the importance of his recovery. However, more than once he would graduate, only to return after another relapse to try to get it right. At least he kept coming back for another try.
We get news reports on a regular basis about those who die in our country from alcohol and drugs. And the numbers vary, depending on who's doing the reporting. But the deaths from overdoses and alcoholism have so much more impact when it's someone we know personally.
And it's sad to see a man go so early - someone who had a lot to live for.
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