An open letter to
my family & friends:
I am an alcoholic/addict. I need help. Don't allow me to lie to you and
accept it for the truth, for in so doing, you encourage me to lie. The
truth may be painful but get at it. I have a disorder that makes my using
the most important pastime in my life. I will protect it with all my heart.
Don't let me outsmart you. This only teaches me to avoid responsibility
and to lose respect for you at the same time.
Don't let me exploit you or take advantage of you. In so doing, you
become an accomplice to my evasion of responsibility. Don't lecture me,
moralize, scold, praise, blame, or argue when I'm drunk or sober high
or clean. And don't pour out or throw away my substances; you may feel
better, but it solves nothing in the long term.
Don't accept my promises. This is just my method of postponing pain. And
don't keep switching agreements. If an agreement is made, stick to it.
Don't lose your temper with me. It will destroy you and any possibility
of you helping me.
Don't allow your anxiety for me compel you to do what I must do for myself....
Don't cover up or abort the consequences of my drinking and using. It
reduces the crisis but perpetuates the illness. Each time you pick up
the tab for my irresponsible/unacceptable behavior you buy the next round.
Above all, don't run away from reality as I do. Chemical Dependency, Alcoholism,
Addiction, my illness, gets worse as my using continues. Start now to
learn, to understand, and to plan for my recovery. I need help from a
doctor, an addiction counsellor, a recovered alcoholic, from AA or NA.
I cannot help myself. You too can get help from an organization or person
who knows about my disorder. ( Nar-Anon, Al-Anon, parent groups etc.)
I hate myself, but I love you. To do nothing is the worst choice you can
make for me.
Please help me,
Your Alcoholic/Addict
Referral Process:
Simply call (416) 640-1061 to arrange for an assessment or interview.
Location:
Recovery Counselling Services
4211 Yonge St., Suite 302
Toronto, Ontario
M2P 2A9
Just north of York Mills, and the York Mills Subway, just south of the 401 on the east side of Yonge in the building where there is a Swiss Chalet.
Parking Available
Send email to sober@recoverycounselling.on.ca