Hard Time Accepting…

– Michael, Pavillon Alumni
“I don’t know exactly when I became an addict/alcoholic, I just have to accept that I will always be one.” ~Anonymous

While I understand that reflection upon the road behind me has its value–especially when it comes to not endlessly repeating the same mistakes–I was really astounded when I heard someone say this recently at my home group. I suppose I loved the simple, forward-looking starkness of what was being communicated. I think I also recognized my own inability for so many years to remain in the teachable moment that defines the power of the First Step.

I could usually stop using and drinking–for a while. Maybe. But I couldn’t stay stopped. I had a really hard time accepting that I had crossed over that invisible line and that, having done so, I had irrevocably and indelibly become something new. This new me was marked with a permanence I neither welcomed nor embraced. I really hate it that the hardest truths in life don’t usually require my assent to be so.

I am, however, given periodic glimpses of what can happen if and when I choose to live in denial of those hard truths. Sometimes these wake-up calls come in the guise of yet one more news story about the seemingly endless supply of overdoses reported in the media. Or, like this past week, the lightning bolt can strike far closer to home when a text message notification from my phone randomly arrives with the news that someone I was in treatment with did one last one that was the last thing they’ll ever do.

That’s one hell of a way to be reminded of my still-new and permanent state of being. But I’m also oddly–and humbly–grateful for yet one more sign that, going forward, acceptance is my best bet.

Pavillon Update:

This past week has been focused on getting our campus and all systems ready for business, as we planned our re-opening of Pavillon following the devastation of Western North Carolina from Hurricane Helene.

This journey has been challenging; but with focus on and commitment to our staff and patients, we anticipate a return to a “new normal” next week.

We will receive our first patients back on campus on Wednesday, October 16th. Those who were evacuated during the event will be returning to Pavillon over the course of three days, Wednesday, October 16th – Friday, October 18th. New admissions will be accepted starting Saturday, October 19th. Our Admissions Staff have continued to accept calls and screen potential admissions throughout this week. They now will be able to schedule those wanting residential treatment with this return to business date established. This past week our Outpatient Services became fully operational and are currently accepting referrals.

Phones and internet will be in place on our Pavillon campus, but slight delays in our responses can be anticipated as we adjust to new systems. Your patience during this process is appreciated.

We are grateful for the outpouring of support that has helped us to sustain hope during this pause. So many people who have been touched by Pavillon, our alums and our staff, have reached out with kind words and donations to support our recovery efforts. Thank you to all of you!

As we move forward , I will keep you informed of progress with a final update at the end of next week.

In gratitude and appreciation,
Barbara Bennett, CEO