Chapter Nine

Sober Work Zone

The small neatly lettered sign on the entrance read, River's Bend. Situated in a block of renovated stores in the old part of town, you would never guess by looking at it that it was a drug treatment clinic. Even more odd, tonight was the grand-opening of the clinic. As the setting sun shone a glow of golden light over the building, giving it a halo effect, the counsellors began arriving to start their new jobs....in the Sober Work Zone....the only place in America where people could still get treatment for marijuana problems.

The counsellors had decided to introduce themselves to the neighborhood by having an open house. It was an unorthodox approach, but they felt that a relaxed evening of socialization and free food would reduce any anxieties in the community. The caterers had delivered the food, and the counsellors were ready to give their speeches and then mingle with the visitors.

Rose Frood began calling everyone to attention. "Friends, if I may have your attention please, we would like to say a few words and then afterwards everyone is invited to help themselves to the food.

My name is Rose and I am the director of River's Bend. Our purpose is to help any community member live sober and drug-free. That's the kind of work we do here--sober work. Whatever works for you to keep you sober, that's what we want to make available.

You know, as our new clinic was being built, I learned a lot about construction work. We had to start with a good concrete floor, and then a wooden frame had to be bolted to the concrete, and then doors and windows had to be put in place. There had to be ventilation, a leak-proof roof, and we had to use a durable paint.

Construction work requires an inspiration, then a plan that serves the need, and then there are certain rules that have to be followed. Measurements have to be accurate. Pieces have to fit together. It occurred to me that all of life is like that, including sobriety and mental health. There has to be a firm foundation and a solid structure. Maybe you want two windows or five windows--it's up to you--but a real foundation has to be there first. We want to help you build that foundation for your habitat of wellbeing."

Then Rose introduced Jerry Chatworth, the senior counsellor. Jerry began, "It's a privilege for me to be here tonight and a pleasure to see your beautiful faces. I like the way Rose compared the importance of good construction work with good sober work. As you know, the Tonopaha River runs through this area. Our new clinic, River's Bend, is a permanent place for refuge and growth. Yet, like the river, life moves forward with or without us. We hope that your involvement here will take you to a happy destination where you can fulfill your true potential."

The speeches met with applause, and the open house seemed like a success. Some visitors, however, were looking at the tables of food and seemed to be building appetites. The counsellors realized that the remaining speeches would have to be speeded up.

Donald Fox, the pastoral counsellor, stepped up to the podium. "I don't know about you, but I'm getting hungry, so I'll make this quick. Here at River's Bend we are providing food for the body and food for the mind and spirit. Meaningful life requires a belief in a Higher Power and a transformation of the self. Sometimes it starts with baby steps, and sometimes it happens suddenly and dramatically. You are an individual with your own unique journey. It's an honor for me to share a part of your journey with you."

Stacy Nocar, the co-dependent counsellor, was next. "Been there, done that, moved on. That's my motto. Maybe some of you can identify with that. Family members have their own recovery to go through. We all have sober work to do. Growing together is the ideal. But, as Jerry said, life's river flows on with or without us. Each individual has to make a choice regarding the quality of life they want for themselves and their family. I hope you will allow River's Bend to assist in that process."

Finally, Hester Wright, the team leader, gave the last speech. "People have often asked me why I chose a career in drug treatment. The answer is simple. I think the best people are in recovery, and I like to associate myself with the best. I am thrilled to be employed at River's Bend. I had thought that my career and my usefulness were over. I am 80 years old. I am at an age to start collecting my pension. But here I am, going back to work!

Life certainly takes some unexpected turns. Over the past three years I have been traveling and painting. One of my personal transformations was to follow my artistic calling. As a result, I have developed several paintings which are not too bad, if I may say so myself. I will soon have an art exhibit and sale here at River's Bend, and all the proceeds will be donated to the clinic.

So, even during the years when I wasn't doing counselling, I was unknowingly doing something that would promote the wellbeing of others. This is my greatest joy. Thank you."

"Let's eat!" yelled someone from the audience. Everyone began laughing. The community members lined up for their food, and the counsellors exchanged glances of hope and enthusiasm for the future. It was dark outside now, but the stars were shining, steadfast and brightly, for everyone to see. (Written 11/22/04 - Reprinted 12/01/10)