Mar
31
2010
What message do I bring to inpatients suffering from alcoholism?
Posted by: Alan in alcoholism treatment, tags: Alcoholism, bring, From, inpatients, message, suffering
What message do I bring to inpatients suffering from alcoholism? I am a recovering alcoholic with 7 years of sobriety, I am a guest speaker at a local VA hospital. Can someone suggest what I speak about to the vets? I usually start with the 24 A Day reading and open up to problems the vets may be facing. How have you approached them? I would like to know.
Thanks!
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March 31st, 2010 at 7:47 am
The message to bring is simple: HOPE! You can make a difference and can most likely impact these individuals where others including doctors cannot. Because you are sober and have experience with this illness you can secure their confidence more than others. The first and most important thing to remember is that the patients you are speaking to are very ill and most likely do not understand how sick they really are. They are unable to differentiate the true from the false (drunk or sober) Because of your own drinking experience you can be uniquely useful to these alcoholics. It says in the big book, cooperate, never criticize. To be helpful is our only aim.
The best advice I can give you is to share your experience, strength and hope. Tell them what it was like? What happened and What your life is like today (sober)?
Show them from your own experience, how the queer mental condition surrounding the first drink prevents normal functioning of the will power. Remember “Facts tell, stories sell”. Share your story and ask God to guide your thoughts and to help you make and honest and sincere telling of how your account and how you were able to achieve 7 years of sobriety. It is important to explain the illness and describe the illness as a spiritual malady. A three fold illness. Talk about the conditions of the body and mind which accompany it. Keep their attention focused mainly on your personal experience. Explain tto them the truth and that many are doomed who never realize their predicament. Doctors are rightly loath to tell alcoholic patients the whole story unless it will serve good purpose. But you should talk to them about the hopelessness of alcoholism because you offer a solution. After all it says in the book on page 17 “There is a Solution” It doesn’t say there are many or there is a couple of solutions. It says “There is A Solution” It works and if someone is a real alcoholic and is ready to recover from alcoholism they can recover and you can share a message to help give them hope. I’m sure you will do a great job and make a positive and impactful contribution. Good Luck from http://www.alcoholismtreatmentcenters.com