How a Person Had the Strength to Start and Stay on the Road to Recovery

Gary V came in to see me for a client interview, and no sooner had he sat down than I suspected he was under the influence of some drug. He tried to discuss the circumstances of his arrest, but his slurred speech made it almost impossible to understand him. I finally told him to leave and only come back if he was sober, and wanted my help in staying that way.

Two weeks later, Gary returned sober, and with his father. Through tears, he expressed his strong desire to become drug free. What he described was typical for people who have lost control of their lives to drugs: Relationships in jeopardy, job at risk, health deteriorating. He was also facing prison for felony crimes. He agreed to attend an AA meeting a day until he enrolled in a probation-approved, state-licensed residential treatment program.

By the time of our first appearance in court, he was in a treatment program with documented proof of progress toward a drug-free lifestyle. I convinced the judge and prosecutor to continue his cases with periodic reports of his performance in the program. He continued to show dramatic progress, and after several appearances before the court, Gary's cases were resolved without felony convictions or custody time.

It is difficult to describe how exciting and emotional it is to see someone work very hard, successfully overcome addiction, and be rewarded by the system for doing so. Gary remains in his job, having received several promotions since his cases were resolved. His relationships with his family members have strengthened, and he continues to "work" a program of sobriety with his sponsor and a support group of clean and sober friends. I know he is proud of himself in what he has accomplished, as I call him each Thanksgiving to congratulate him on it. This year was the 11th year of sobriety.

If you or a loved one is struggling on the road down or needs guidance on the road back, call us. We stand ready to help...