In the 32 years of TLC's existence literally thousands of clients have passed through our doors. When they first arrive most of them are enthusiastic about changing ;their lives.
And while some are brought to us by parole or probation officers - or family members - most of them come of their own volition. They're tired of battling their disease. Tired of waking up sick and needing a drink or a fix. Tired of being shunned by their loved ones. So they come to us for help because we let them in, even if they're broke and without resources, and we provide food. housing and even medical assistance in many cases. Yet even with all of this support, about half of them leave within a week without paying us a dime. So that tells us they just aren't ready, they still think they can successfully use their drug of choice.
It's sad to see them leave without taking a chance on a better life. They throw away an opportunity to restore their relationships, their health, their dignity, and self-respect. And I wonder for a moment why they don't use logic and common sense and take advantage of the opportunity they've been given.
But then I stop and think of my own battles with drugs and alcohol and I had no logic or common sense about any of it. I was the complete hedonist. And I only changed when life became too painful.
So all I can do is stay sober and hope that they reach level of pain that drives them to the doors of recovery - either at our program or some other. We only can know the blessings of recovery by being totally immersed in it.
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