This is part three of our series on "real Life Rehab". I met John again not his real name when I was the Executive Director of the Bishop Ryan Resource Center. John was returning home from a 6-year prison term. He was a crack addict and had difficulty telling the truth. Even when it was unnecessary to be untruthful he lied!
Quite honestly I did not think John would recover. But staying true to form I made a pact to never be the judge. To offer the same opportunity to everyone was our commitment. It was not long and John was violated on parole for relapsing on crack cocaine. When he returned to treatment he slowly began to get honest with himself. He began to accept concepts that he rebelled against.
Upon his return to the community he began to focus on what he wanted and not on the short cuts. He put in the footwork and began to get results. After five years of recovery he phoned me in my office. He said, “Dan I want you to know that your patience with me is appreciated. The fact that you never gave up on me and never pushed me away or into your box gave me the strength to push on toward a happy and lasting recovery.” He then informed me that he recently passed his MSW licensing exam amazingly he went on to graduate with honors from Fordham University with his MSW!
Once again, it had little to do with me personally and more to do with his commitment coupled with the “Real Life Rehab” methods. Meeting a person where they are and developing a relationship with them is key to the process. With John it made all the difference in the world.
The Last Resort Panama, Drug and Alcohol Rehab www.Thelastresortpa.com www.facebook.com/thelastresortpa www.myspace.com/thelastresortpa www.recoveryforum.ning.com
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