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Spiritual Bankruptcy

and I became addicted to the lifestyle - Larry Jones I liked the effects of drugs and alcohol,

He was 37 when a friend introduced him to crack cocaine. He started as an occasionally weekend user, but after a few months, the drug became a daily habit. Jones had started a career working as a tech support person for several computer companies. He always managed to find employment in his chosen field, in spite of losing a few jobs due to positive drug screens. But, it wasn't long before financial problems, a separation from his wife and homelessness followed. When Jones was able to work for a few weeks, he would end up spending most of his paycheck to support his habit. “I was spiritually bankrupt.” Jones underwent inpatient treatment for the first time in 1985, due to a DUI arrest. After being introduced to crack, he sought treatment again in 1995, 2002, 2005, 2009 and 2014. Each time, Jones eventually relapsed. He hit bottom again in February, 2017, for what he hopes was the last time, and was admitted to a VA hospital mental health unit in Atlanta. The VA referred him to MWFHE on February 27th. This time, Jones says, he has made a full commitment to recovering, more wholeheartedly than in his previous attempts. He’s looking at his life with more hope for the future. “I chose to start working the 12-step program of AA, living with those principles and incorporating them in my life. Men and Women has given me the tools to do that.” One of those tools is an apartment in supportive housing, where he can interact daily with other people in recovery. “I have surrounded myself with new people.”

Looking Forward

“This time, I've got a sponsor and I'm working my way through the steps, and I know where certain things are in the AA cornerstone. I feel much better. I wake up these days looking forward to whatever comes my way. Now I look at challenges as character-building. I no longer look at things with an 'My God, what am I going to do' attitude.” Every week, Jones meets with a MWFHE counselor, who gives him an honest assessment of his progress, and helps guide him through any rough patches.“I have made my mind up that I want to change. And the groups and counseling sessions have helped me with making that change.” The process has helped him learn healthier ways to deal with emotions like guilt, shame and anger, that could endanger his sobriety. And he feels a new sense of gratitude. “I'm very grateful to God for allowing me to become a member of AA, and I'm very grateful for the program I'm in. They gave me an opportunity for a life change.”

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