Friday
October 31, 2014
Happy Halloween!

Life on Life's Terms

Wrong and right

Smiley won his case on a technicality.  The FDA was forced to hire him back, and to give him back pay, a cost of living increase, and the yearly bonus he would have earned had he not been fired. 

"Smiley's victory is your tax dollars at work," David said sarcastically when he called to give me the news about Smiley. 

"I don't wish him any bad luck, but Smiley hasn't really won," I said.  "This will come back to bite him."

"I don't know, to me it looks like Smiley won."

"This will only convince him even more that he's right in all he does.  I've always thought we all need to be wrong once in a while to stay right."

"I have no idea what you're saying," David said.

"Think about it."

Today I will be grateful for all the times being wrong set me right.

Life on Life's Terms (c) 2014 by Ken Montrose

Upcoming Trainings

Ethics in the Helping Professions

November 5, 2014 at Kerr Presbyterian Church in Verona

9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

$50 payable in advance, at the door, or by invoice after the training

This six hour training is accredited for:

• Addiction Counselors by the Pa. Certification Board
• Nurses by the PSNA #101-1-O-14
• Counselors by NAADAC #477 and NBCC #6352
• EAPs by the Employee Assistance Certification Commission
• Social Workers by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.

To register, please visit our website greenbriartraining.com or send an email to:kmontrose@greenbriar.net

Other Blogs

AArdvarks, a daily messages blog about a group of young people in recovery, can be found at: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/7263548-new-ways

RPG

Majorca

"I've been to Majorca," Tony said. "It's pricey, but they have great seafood."

"I think it's the most beautiful island in the world," Kim said.

"Island?" Tony asked.  "Were you high when you were there?  It's a restaurant on the South Side."

"It's also an island off the coast of Spain. I couldn't put into words how charming and picturesque the island is." Kim sighed, and added, "I doubt I'll ever go back.  In the afternoon I'd soak in the scenery, but at night I'd party hard.  I don't think I could be on the beach without wanting a drink in my hand."

"That sucks," Tony said.

I said,"Majorca may be a trigger for Kim, but it's a message to the rest of you.  Some of you think getting clean and sober will cut you off from enjoying life.  There are a million Majorcas out there – people, places, and things that aren't part of your addiction - to enjoy you haven't yet discovered."

Today I will look for my Majorca, something new in my life to enjoy.

Relapse Prevention Group © 2014 by Ken Montrose

Thursday
October 30, 2014

Life on Life's Terms

Happy childhood

Months passed.  Julie delivered perfectly healthy twins.  Darren got a job he could work from home.  Julie stayed clean and sober, and kept her promise to quit smoking.  She mended fences with her family and his.  Both families lived nearby.

The twins could have been raised by an active addict had Julie not gotten clean.  Instead, they   had two good parents.  Aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents dropped by every day.  I couldn't imagine a better upbringing for the twins. I thought of all the people I knew whose parents had been active drug abusers, and how that had affected them. 

Today I will be happy for children raised by clean and sober parents.

Life on Life's Terms (c) 2014 by Ken Montrose

Other Blogs

https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/7258562-neurosis

RPG

I did what?

Kim was smiling as she walked into group, cell phone in hand.

"You seem happy," I said.  "It's good to see."

"Have you ever been surprised by your own behavior?" Kim asked.  "Pleasantly surprised?"

"Every now and again."

She looked at her cell phone and said, "I just turned down a trip to Majorca with a very rich and very handsome man.  I didn't want to be around alcohol.  I can't believe I did that."

"You're making progress. I think you worked hard to lay the groundwork for this kind of surprise."

"I think you're right," she said, shaking her head in disbelief.

I hope today I am pleasantly surprised by whatever progress I've made.

Relapse Prevention Group © 2014 by Ken Montrose

WednesdayOctober 29, 2014

Life on Life's Terms

Another gratitude list

Rather than reflect on how another person's character defects might affect my day, I wrote a list of humble people.  I wrote another list of honest people. My third list was of people I could depend on.

Today I will be grateful for humble, honest, dependable people.

Life on Life's Terms © 2014 by Ken Montrose

Upcoming Trainings

Ethics in the Helping Professions

November 5, 2014 at Kerr Presbyterian Church in Verona

9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

$50 payable in advance, at the door, or by invoice after the training

This six hour training is accredited for:

• Addiction Counselors by the Pa. Certification Board
• Nurses by the PSNA #101-1-O-14
• Counselors by NAADAC #477 and NBCC #6352
• EAPs by the Employee Assistance Certification Commission
• Social Workers by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.

To register, please visit our website greenbriartraining.com or send an email to: kmontrose@greenbriar.net

Other Blogs

AArdvarks, a daily messages blog about a group of young people in recovery, can be found at: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/7255218-vampires-and-zombies

Relapse Prevention Group

What do you know

I walked outside to get the mail.  Roger was sitting with the smokers, scribbling feverishly in a notebook.

"What're you writing?" I asked.

"You know I had seven years clean before this last relapse, right?" he asked.  "I'm writing a list of everything I learned.  It's a gratitude list."

"What are you grateful for?"

"I'm grateful I know these things.  Most of them I learned the hard way.  Some of them I had to learn over and over.  I'm grateful I don't need to re-learn them, I just have to put them into practice."

Today I will be grateful for things I know, and need only put into practice.

RPG: Relapse Prevention Group © 2014 by Ken Montrose

TuesdayOctober 27, 2014

Life on Life's Terms

Carpe Diem

I walked past Josh the Evaluator's office on my way to get coffee.  I could hear him patiently trying to explain to a middle aged man why he needed detox and inpatient treatment.  The man was insisting on weekly individual sessions to kick his heroin addiction.  He accused Josh of being after his insurance money.

When I got back to my office I sent Josh an instant message, 'Having fun?'

Josh typed back, 'Can't wait to see what the rest of the day is like.'

I knew how he felt.  Sometimes I wanted to hide in my office to avoid getting on me whatever was poisoning that day. Over time I had found those were the days I need to face head on.

I typed, 'Carpe Diem. Seize the day, but wear gloves…'

Carpe Diem, even if you have to wear gloves.

Life on Life's Terms (c) 2014 by Ken Montrose

Upcoming Trainings

Working Supportively with Families and Significant Others   
October 29, 2014 at Kerr Presbyterian Church in Verona 
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
$50 payable in advance, at the door, or by invoice after the training

This five hour training is accredited for:

• Addiction Counselors by the Pa. Certification Board

• Nurses by the PSNA #101-1-O-14

• Counselors by NAADAC #477 and NBCC #6352

• EAPs by the Employee Assistance Certification Commission

• Social Workers by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.

To register, please visit our website greenbriartraining.com or send an email to: kmontrose@greenbriar.net

Other Blogs

AArdvarks, a daily messages blog about a group of young people in recovery, can be found at: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/7252857-proof-reading

RPG

Courage/time = change

Seal had been standing beside Martell listening to the conversation.

"You are so brave," she said to Martell.  "I would've been too scared to put my hand in that machine."

"Were you scared when you left your abusive boyfriend?" I asked.

"Every day for months," she said.  "I could have used Martell's courage."

Martell put his arm around her shoulders and said, "I was scared to death, but the whole thing was over in a minute.  You've been courageous for a long time."

"I admire your courage just as much as I admire Martell's," I said to Seal. 

Today I will remember change requires courage over time.

Relapse Prevention Group (c) 2014 by Ken Montrose

Monday
October 27, 2014

Life on Life's Terms

Statistics

When I got to work the next day, the copier had eaten the handouts I had politely asked it to print overnight.  I needed those handouts for a training that morning.  Clearing the jams from the copier turned out to be the highlight of the day. 

At first I thought the universe was out to get me.  Then I thought that statistically, a certain number of negative events were likely to occur. Into every life a little rain must fall.  Sometimes those negative events were going to bunch up.  My 'C' average in stats told me so.

Today I will accept that statistics are heartless, but the universe is not out to get me.

Life on Life's Terms (c) 2014 by Ken Montrose

Upcoming Trainings

Working Supportively with Families and Significant Others    October 29, 2014 at Kerr Presbyterian Church in Verona 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m$50 payable in advance, at the door, or by invoice after the training

This five hour training is accredited for:

• Addiction Counselors by the Pa. Certification Board

• Nurses by the PSNA #101-1-O-14

• Counselors by NAADAC #477 and NBCC #6352

• EAPs by the Employee Assistance Certification Commission

• Social Workers by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.

To register, please visit our website greenbriartraining.com or send an email to: kmontrose@greenbriar.net

Other Blogs

AArdvarks, a daily messages blog about a group of young people in recovery, can be found at: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/7248055-testing

RPG

The right thing to do

"Hey Martell," I called out as he walked by, "Why are you retiring?  I once heard you say at an AA meeting that you loved your job."

"Retiring wasn't my idea," Martell said.  "I broke the safety regs.  I was supposed to shut down the machine and wait for the plant nurse and the safety manager. Now the insurance company considers me a risk.  My company would pay higher rates if they kept me on."

"Why didn't you follow the regs?"

"That young boy would have lost his hand by the time I shut down the machine.  Most of his arm waiting for the nurse.  I reached in and pulled his hand out with the machine running."

"You had to know you might lose your job and your own hand."

"It was the right thing to do," Martell said with a shrug.

Today I will be grateful for people who do the right thing,

 no matter what the consequences.

Relapse Prevention Group (c) 2014 by Ken Montrose

FridayOctober 24, 2014

Life on Life's Terms

Getting along

That night we parked in the driveway and walked through the garage.  We could hear the kids laughing like hyenas in the basement.  They must not have heard the garage door because neither of them scurried to clean up their mess.

"Having fun?" I asked as I walked into the basement.  They were lying on the floor, watching TV, their bodies outlined in spilled popcorn like chalk lines at a crime scene.

They both looked at me, looked at each other, then looked at the floor.  Then they laughed for another solid minute.  I wanted to be angry, but I couldn't.  I was too grateful for their happiness and that they got along so well.

"Clean this up," I said trying to sound stern, but not succeeding.  The kids tried not to laugh, which made them, and my wife, laugh even more.

"You heard him, Brat Boy," my daughter said, "You clean this up!"

"He was using small words," my son said.  "He must have been talking to you!"  It took another ten minutes to get them to stop laughing and to start cleaning.

Today I will be grateful for people who get along.

Life on Life's Terms (c) 2014 by Ken Montrose 

Upcoming Trainings

Working Supportively with Families and Significant OthersOctober 29, 2014 at Kerr Presbyterian Church in Verona9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m$50 payable in advance, at the door, or by invoice after the training
This five hour training is accredited for:

• Addiction Counselors by the Pa. Certification Board

• Nurses by the PSNA #101-1-O-14

• Counselors by NAADAC #477 and NBCC #6352

• EAPs by the Employee Assistance Certification Commission

• Social Workers by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.

To register, please visit our website greenbriartraining.com or send an email to: kmontrose@greenbriar.net

Other Blogs

AArdvarks, a daily messages blog about a group of young people in recovery, can be found at: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/7231388-once

RPG

Discounting the positive

The next day at work I heard from The Other Ken – I had started working there first and considered myself the only true Ken - that nobody in the group had a dirty urine.  When Roger passed by my office, I yelled, "Heard you're still clean and sober!"

Roger stuck his head into my office and smiled, but said, "Yeah, but I wanted to get high."

"But you didn't," I said.

"And I'm still deeply in debt."
            "And you're still clean," I argued.

"And everyone still hates me."

I shook my head, and said, "And you didn't drink or do coke."  Roger amazed me with his stubborn refusal to accept the positive.

Today I will not discount the positive.

Relapse Prevention Group (c) 2014 by Ken Montrose

Thursday
October 23, 2014

Life on Life's Terms

Understanding Motivation

What happened between you two?" my wife asked Tiffany.

"Not much.  Evan's still mad at Dad over our family's bank. When the auditors caught my dad with his hand in the cookie jar, Evan got in trouble too.  My dad had forged Evan's name on some documents, and had gotten him to sign other papers without really reading them.  For a while it looked like Evan and Dad might go to jail together.  It took Evan almost three years to clear his name."

"No wonder he's angry," my wife said, "but your father passed on.  Maybe it's time to let go." 

The words 'passed on' hung in the air.  Tiffany's father had OD'd in prison.

Tiffany sighed and said, "Cocaine and gambling weren't my father's only vices.  Our bank always had the prettiest tellers.  Some were paid better than others.  Evan knew why and so did my mother.  Evan was very protective of my mom."

"I never knew that about your father," I said. 

"When he was clean he was a good man.  That's who you knew.  But before he got clean, and after he relapsed, he was capable of anything.  Deep down Evan is terrified he'll follow in Dad's footsteps.  My addiction and all my wild behavior were just reminders to him that this runs in our family."

"I'm sorry, but that doesn't excuse the way he treats you," my wife said.

"No, but it helps me understand him.  I won't let him bully me anymore, but understanding what scares him makes it easier to reach out to him."

Today I will try to understand what motivates people.

Life on Life's Terms (c) 2014 by Ken Montrose

Upcoming Trainings

Working Supportively with Families and Significant OthersOctober 29, 2014 at Kerr Presbyterian Church in Verona9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m$50 payable in advance, at the door, or by invoice after the training
This five hour training is accredited for:

• Addiction Counselors by the Pa. Certification Board

• Nurses by the PSNA #101-1-O-14

• Counselors by NAADAC #477 and NBCC #6352

• EAPs by the Employee Assistance Certification Commission

• Social Workers by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.

To register, please visit our website greenbriartraining.com or send an email to: kmontrose@greenbriar.net

Other Blogs

AArdvarks, a daily messages blog about a group of young people in recovery, can be found at: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/7224934-leadership

RPG

Just say it

That afternoon I hit the gym on my way home from work.  One of the comments on the gym's bulletin board read: You should be ASHAMED of yourselves!!!  The pool water is so cold it makes my kids shiver!!!

I wondered if under-heated pool water was really a reason for the gym managers to hang their heads in shame.  I thought about how much bad feeling people cause by overstating their grievances and shouting when they don't need to.  A simple "please heat the pool water' would have been enough.

Today I won't shout what I need only say.

Relapse Prevention Group (c) 2014 by Ken Montrose

Wednesday
October 22, 2014

Life on Life's Terms

Cautiously Optimistic

"Was that really your brother in the back of the church?" I asked.

"Yes it was.  My brother, Evan Almighty, in the flesh."

"I can't believe he crashed your wedding."

"Part of me says 'how dare he?'  Part me also says he's trying.  He'll probably never meet me halfway, but he took a baby step toward putting things right between us."

"I'm happy for you," I said.  "I was proud of you for handing him the rose."

"I'm cautiously optimistic.  He's taken a baby step.  If he takes another in a reasonable amount of time, I'll be just plain optimistic." 

"What if he doesn't do anything more to patch up things between you two?"

"Then I won't waste any more of my energy on our relationship.  There's a difference between being optimistic and being unrealistic."

Today I will be cautiously optimistic and realistic about relationships.

Life on Life's Terms (c) 2014 by Ken Montrose

Upcoming Trainings

Working Supportively with Families and Significant Others
October 29, 2014 at Kerr Presbyterian Church in Verona
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
$50 payable in advance, at the door, or by invoice after the training

This five hour training is accredited for:

• Addiction Counselors by the Pa. Certification Board
• Nurses by the PSNA #101-1-O-14
• Counselors by NAADAC #477 and NBCC #6352
• EAPs by the Employee Assistance Certification Commission
• Social Workers by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.

To register, please visit our website greenbriartraining.com or send an email to: kmontrose@greenbriar.net

Other Blogs

AArdvarks, a daily messages blog about a group of young people in recovery, can be found at: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/7216407-small-changes

RPG

Slip right up!

"Listen Ken," Tony said, "Drinking with me is like getting on an amusement park ride.  The ride might seem a little wild, you might even puke, but you know you'll end up back where you started."

I said, "You aren't like an amusement park ride.  They're predictable.  You're like a rusted-out ride at a broken down carnival.  You think you know how the ride ends, but it could be far worse than you imagine. That kind of ride can even kill you."

Today I won't ride on anything that could kill me.

RPG: Relapse Prevention Group (c) 2014 by Ken Montrose

TuesdayOctober 21, 2014

Life on Life's Terms

A chance to help

At the reception, Tiffany hugged me for a long moment.  "Thank you," she said.  "You really helped me stay clean."

I wasn't her sponsor, and I had been much closer with her father.  I smiled and said, "Thanks, but I don't know that I did much."

"There were times before AA meetings when you just wanted to drink your coffee by yourself, but you listened to me rant and ramble anyway.  It was enough."

"I'm glad I could help," I said.  I really was.

Today will be grateful for any chance to help someone.

Life on Life's Terms (c) 2014 by Ken Montrose

Upcoming Trainings

Medications and Twelve Step Recovery
October 22, 2014 at Kerr Presbyterian Church in Verona
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
$50 payable in advance, at the door, or by invoice after the training

This five hour training is accredited for:

• Addiction Counselors by the Pa. Certification Board
• Nurses by the PSNA #101-1-O-14
• Counselors by NAADAC #477 and NBCC #6352
• EAPs by the Employee Assistance Certification Commission
• Social Workers by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.

To register, please visit our website greenbriartraining.com or send an email to: kmontrose@greenbriar.net

Other Blogs

AArdvarks, a daily messages blog about a group of young people in recovery, can be found at: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/7211320-expanding-heart

RPG

The shortcut to hell

How did Kim know you had a bottle in your car?" I asked Tony.

"I showed it to her," Tony said.  "I told her if your group turned out to be a waste of time we could party a little.  She's hot and rich.  Can you blame me?"

"Yes, I can! She's trying to get clean.  She doesn't need you tempting her."

"Can't tempt people with what's in the store if they ain't lookin' in the window.  Besides, you can't pin this all on me.  If your group sucked, that would be your fault.  And if she wanted to have a little fun with me, that would be her choice."  He looked me in the eyes, shook his head, and said, "people gotta take responsibility for their actions." 

The shortcut to hell is paved by other people's bad intentions.

(Their cluelessness forms the guide rails.)

Relapse Prevention Group (c) 2014 by Ken Montrose

Monday
October 20, 2014

Life on Life's Terms

Grace

That weekend my wife and I went to Tiffany's wedding.  Sitting in the very back of the church was a handsome blond man in khakis and a golf shirt.  Her bully of an older brother, Evan, had apparently come to the wedding to scowl at the proceedings. 

As Tiffany walked down the aisle after the ceremony, she pulled a rose from her bouquet and handed it to him.  He looked stunned.  She just smiled. 

Today I will try to meet hostility with grace.

Life on Life's Terms  (c) 2014 by Ken Montrose

Upcoming Trainings

Medications and Twelve Step Recovery
October 22, 2014 at Kerr Presbyterian Church in Verona
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
$50 payable in advance, at the door, or by invoice after the training

This five hour training is accredited for:

• Addiction Counselors by the Pa. Certification Board
• Nurses by the PSNA #101-1-O-14
• Counselors by NAADAC #477 and NBCC #6352
• EAPs by the Employee Assistance Certification Commission
• Social Workers by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.

To register, please visit our website greenbriartraining.com or send an email to: kmontrose@greenbriar.net

Other Blogs

AArdvarks, a daily messages blog about a group of young people in recovery, can be found at: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/7206057-freedom

RPG

Obstacle course

After group I told Tony it was time to clean out his car. "We need to dump the vodka and whatever else you have in there."

"I've had that bottle since I got out of inpatient.  I haven't opened it.  I just keep it in case of emergency."

"It's gotta go.  The closer at hand you have your booze, the less of an impulse it takes for you to relapse."

"So you dump the vodka," he said.  "I'll probably just buy more."

"You might," I said.  "Dumping your vodka serves two purposes.  First, it's symbolic.  We're getting your car clean, even if you're not.  Second, we're putting up a small barrier to relapse. If you want more vodka, you'll have to drive to the liquor store and spend money.  Not much of a barrier, I know, but right now it's the best we can do.  I'm hoping we start putting more and more obstacles in your way."

Tony laughed.  "Do I have to send my car to Automobiles Anonymous?"

Today I will put up barriers to whatever bad habits I might have.

RPG: Relapse Prevention Group © 2014 by Ken Montrose

FridayOctober 17, 2014

Life on Life's Terms

Momentum

I saw Kate that day and congratulated her on being re-admitted to Duquesne's Law School.  She hugged me, did a little dance step, and threw punches into the air.

"I am so excited!" she said.

"Really?  I wouldn't have guessed."

"It's more than just law school.  Two nights ago I went out for a jog and ran eight miles.  I could have run further.  I signed up for a Thai cooking class.  I read all the time.  And sleep?  I used to either pass out or lie in bed feeling sorry for myself.  Now my dog and I sleep the whole night through."  She paused to catch her breath.  "I've discovered the most beautiful word in the English language."

"Love?" I asked.

"Love, shmove.  I loved booze and Xanax – look where that got me.   I loved that mouth-breathing, knuckle-dragger who dumped me right before my first attempt at law school.  Forget love, momentum is my favorite word.  Momentum carries me through the day and right up to the moment my head hits the pillow for some blissful sleep."

Today I will be grateful for whatever momentum I can generate.

Life on Life's Terms (c) 2014 by Ken Montrose

Upcoming  Trainings

Medications and Twelve Step Recovery
October 22, 2014 at Kerr Presbyterian Church in Verona
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
$50 payable in advance, at the door, or by invoice after the training

This five hour training is accredited for:

• Addiction Counselors by the Pa. Certification Board
• Nurses by the PSNA #101-1-O-14
• Counselors by NAADAC #477 and NBCC #6352
• EAPs by the Employee Assistance Certification Commission
• Social Workers by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.

To register, please visit our website greenbriartraining.com or send an email to: kmontrose@greenbriar.net

Other Blogs

AArdvarks, a daily messages blog about a group of young people in recovery, can be found at: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/7190502-sanity-and-beer-muscles

Life on Life's Terms

Ordinary life

Kim was the last to introduce herself to the group.  Blonde, forty-six, and incredibly wealthy, I was surprised she hadn't gone to an upscale rehab catering to the rich and famous. 

"I'm bored with the wild life. I'm not interested in building my fortune any further.  I loathe working for charity.  I've been everywhere, done everything.  There isn't an excess I haven't excelled at."  She exchanged a knowing smile with Tony.

"So what do you want to do?" I asked.

"I'd like to try a new life.  I was clean and sober for six months after my last rehab.  Do you know what I discovered?  Bacon, eggs, and coffee taste best before 10:00 a.m."

Martell chuckled, "You didn't know about breakfast?"

Kim smiled and shook her head. "I've been on a thirty year binge of drugs, booze, sex, gambling, and more drugs. In that time I forgot how much I liked breakfast, and dogs, reading, and having a clear head.  I want to learn to love the ordinary again."

Today I will savor the joys of ordinary life.

RPG: Relapse Prevention Group © 2014 by Ken Montrose

Thursday
October 16, 2014

Life on Life's Terms

Good Things, Good People

Just when I was about to lose faith in the entire legal system, Krista sent out an email announcing Kate had been accepted by Duquesne's Law School.  I thought about how hard Kate had worked to get sober, and put her life back together.  Like a lot of people, I struggled to make sense of bad things happening to good people.  I decided I'd compensate by celebrating when good things happened to good people like Kate.

Today I will celebrate when good things happen to good people. 

Upcoming  Trainings

Medications and Twelve Step Recovery
October 22, 2014 at Kerr Presbyterian Church in Verona
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
$50 payable in advance, at the door, or by invoice after the training

This five hour training is accredited for:

• Addiction Counselors by the Pa. Certification Board
• Nurses by the PSNA #101-1-O-14
• Counselors by NAADAC #477 and NBCC #6352
• EAPs by the Employee Assistance Certification Commission
• Social Workers by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.

To register, please visit our website greenbriartraining.com or send an email to: kmontrose@greenbriar.net

Other Blogs

AArdvarks, a daily messages blog about a group of young people in recovery, can be found at: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/7180800-fitness

RPG

Good example

Martell was an older black man I had heard him speak at an AA meeting.  His story was inspirational, and seeing him in group sucked the air from the room. 

"What happened?" I asked,

"There was an accident at work.  Young boy, not paying attention, got his hand caught.  When I tried to free him I almost lost two fingers myself." He held up his hand to show a jagged scar running down the middle of his palm.  "After the accident I wasn't as worried as I should have been about the painkillers. They were never my thing.  By the time I realized I was hooked, I was in deep."

"I'm sorry you relapsed, but I'm glad you're here and not home eating Vikes," I said.

"Me too," Martell said.  "I could retire and do nothing but eat painkillers.  I'd have company, 'cause that boy got hooked too.  He doesn't think he has the strength to get clean.  Before I retire, I want to set a good example for him.  I want to show him anybody can get clean."

Today I will be grateful for people who insist on setting a good example.

RPG: Relapse Prevention Group © 2014 by Ken Montrose