Continued from Part 6 – We Will Work Through This
Nick’s voicemail was upbeat, seemed positive. I felt I could go on with my day and give him a call later in the afternoon, maybe even on the drive home from work. I have a Bluetooth type product that’s hooked into the stereo of my car; hands-free and pretty much like I’m talking to someone else in the car.
Of course it’s never quite as easy as putting my mind to something else. It wasn’t necessarily a slow day here, but sometimes it can seem that way when I am working with individuals experiencing a prescription drug detox. Once we’ve administered Suboxone, the clients are much less agitated, the withdrawal symptoms less severe, or relatively non-existent. But, there is always something to do. Someone needs some help. The day flew by.
When the clock struck four, and it does strike it because I have a small grandfather clock on my desk, I made my goodbyes, gathered my belongings and headed to my car. After hopping on the highway to begin my thirty minute commute, I called Nick. He answered after a few rings. His voice wasn’t as strong as it had been in the message, and I related it to the car phone. I can be so steeped in denial. I asked him how his day was. He gave a hollow laugh and declared it to be okay.
“How’s work?”
“Took the day off?”
I decided to cut to the chase. Sometimes you need to do that. I know the program is about reaching out for help, but it can be difficult at times. Prodding for information is necessary. “So, what’s going on with you? What is it you have to talk about? Have you been using?” I peppered him with questions.
“I’m alright. I’ve been working the steps again and some issues from the past keep coming up, and I’m having a tough time dealing with them. It’s like these awful things I did to people are coming to light and it’s time to pay the piper.”
“So, you need to make amends to people? That can be tough.” As far as I was concerned he and I made amends to one another about our alcohol and drug behavior, and it was in the past. But, this isn’t my path and it’s his slate to be cleaned not mine.
Check out Part 8 – The Quandary