One of the things that was holding him up was that he had a dog and didn't want to get rid of it, which he would have to do because of our policy of not allowing clients to bring pets into the program. Our reasoning for that rule is that some clients don't like or else fear pets and that they also can bring bugs and dirt into the house. Another problem he had was that he owned a vehicle and wouldn't be able to pay for it if he had to be in counseling all day.
I agreed with him that these things could be a problem if he wanted to get sober with us. Then I asked him what was the important thing; his life and health? Or his possessions? After all, he could always purchase another vehicle or find another pet. I know people care about their pets and the material things they've accumulated - but they must get their priorities in order when it comes to the important things; like changing their lives.
He reflected a moment on what I said and left, telling me that he needed to talk to his family and make a decision. As he left, I thought there might be a 50-50 chance he'd return.
I was pleased to see him applying for entry the next day when I returned to work. Now he's taken the first step by making a wise decision about his future.
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