ADDICTION: PERHAPS OLD MODEL TREATMENT WOULD WORK

To the editor:

Re: Crossroads Detox May Face Closure, Dec. 10 Capital News.

Careful throwing rocks in glasshouses. Twenty-seven years ago I went
through the Crossroads Treatment Center when it was on Gray Road in
Rutland. I am still here and I am still sober.

A statistic, probably, but it would be worth a little bit of research by
"the keeper of the keys" of the current Crossroads Treatment Center to
check out the mandate of the original facility.

Without going into the mechanics of the many different treatment programs
that are in existence, the ones which are successful or ones which have
came and gone by the wayside through mismanagement on dozens of levels from
boards of directors to simple well-wishing groups, the original Crossroad
Treatment Center has outlived them all--until now apparently.

I find that the program that was on board when death, incarceration or
mental collapse was imminent, worked for me. I know, personally, hundreds
of other "miracles" who have made the quantum leap from obvious civilian
disaster. The Crossroads I knew respected the 12-step program of A.A. as a
solid addition to the stepping-stones within a program of recovery.

As the old saying goes, "the dollar bill has no conscience." When
attempting to stir bureaucracy ($1.3 million apparently) into the mixture
of frontline recovery systems, one should be careful not to curdle the
brew--or in simple words--throw the baby out with the dirty bath water.

With a bit of logic, moral and statistic conscience you may be wise to do a
bit of serious research to support any quick, unrehearsed changes,
additions or closures. There are many new programs out there vying for an
apparent market share of the recovery "game." Please be careful.

If those who hold or control the keys of life at Crossroads wish to change
the system, would it not be a suggestion to try their different and,
promotionally, parallel recovery approach as an option and leave an
established and (if researched) proven theme to function.

There are still major hurdles to overcome after leaving a Crossroads
environment and many, unfortunately, fail. Please understand we are dealing
with a serious disease and not a closet problem any longer. Even 27 years
ago the people who helped me out had the experience, tough love and
background to know--you can't con a con.

Joel

Kelowna

Editor's note: "Joel" is a member of AA and as such writes here anonymously.