We got the call 4 or 5 days ago. A man was looking for an Intervention for his wife. She was, according to him, suffering from acute depression and alcoholism. They had two young children together.
The wheels were set in motion for the Intervention to take place. Our Interventionist was contacted, schedules compared, and a date was set. Our man spent time on the telephone with each member of the family and the loved ones that were to be present. Each person's script carefully reviewed, and each person carefully coached. An Intervention is an extremely emotional affair, and best laid plans can easily go awry.
Every thing was in order at rehab to welcome our new guest. The bedroom was fresh. There were flowers on the night table, and a name sign on the door to welcome a most likely very distraught woman. Special changes in plans were made as the Wednesday intake day was being changed to Thursday evening. Our other guests were looking forward to sharing their recovery journey with a new friend.
Chaos and drama, the hallmark of the alcoholic/addict and their families reigned this evening. We got the report back after dinner that after a very distressful and violent episode, the woman was removed by the RCMP and taken to the local psych ward. Complete deflation and despair for every party involved. The terrible disease of addiction wins another round, and the children suffer the hardest.
It is hard not to feel discouraged. Facing an addiction is a tenuous thing. There are so many places to derail and sobriety doesn't stand much of a chance. The odds are always against recovery. The psych wards and hospitals and graveyards are full of the fruits of alcoholism. The rewards are death and despair.
One of my favorite sayings is "Don't give up 5 minutes before the Miracle happens." I have to remember that too, and realize that there are people prepared to accept the gift of recovery. Some take the gift and then do the hard work all the way to serenity and peace of mind. 2 miracles come quickly to mind. Tony J., is a successful businessman who wanted to get sober before his first grandchild was born. I see him occasionally with that little grandson in a stroller. What a lucky child to have a grandpa that loves him. And Tony is trusted by the family to take care of a toddler (Jeremy must be 3 years old now). And then there is Marie. She called the other day to say she celebrated her second year of sobriety and her daughter's first birthday on the same day. What a lucky little girl to have a sober mom.
So tonight, an entire family, an Interventionist and the folks waiting at rehab are reminded of the power of the disease. Two little children will be tucked into bed by a broken father, wondering where their mom is.
Tomorrow is another day.
Jane Derry
A Home Away Retreat - Rethink Rehab & Addiction
http://www.ahomeaway.org