An acquaintance of mine, who had been sober for about a year, showed up to an event quite obviously inebriated. As the event, which did not have alcohol involved, went on, he slowly got better as he sobered up.
Is there anything I can do here? I'm comfortable texting or calling him. Better to just keep my nose out of it?
"Hey man, hows things?" is about as far as you go. I'm not an addiction expert- and I know there are others here that are, but I know well enough to know that accusations of abuse aren't exactly the method of getting someone to stop. What I do know is a relapse, especially around a time like this is quite often emotionally triggered, and it isn't positive. ALMOST no one is like "You know what, life is berkeleyin' awesome right now, I been sober, my life is great, let's go ahead and throw it all in the trash". It's usually about the opposite of that. There's a distinct chance the homie is feelin' pretty E36 M3 right now (as many MANY people around the holidays are... I myself am looking forward to my kid hating all the effort I put into his xmas presents) and has given up a lot of hope in his life, and could be looking for a lifeline. Maybe be that guy? Be warned- you could be in for a whole lot of extra you weren't expecting.
ETA- I'm sure he'll chime in when he sees it, but something that's stuck with me, and is sort of a universal truth, is a thing that Dusterbd13 said one time. "You only have to worry about being sober today". Ranger touched on it below me. Relapses happen. We make mistakes. I've likened my own journey towards being healthier like an addiction, though i'm not sure it's accurate. HOWEVER, I have to realize there are moments where I might not be 100% on the screws with what i'm doing and it's ok. We all make mistakes. It's how we move forward that matters.
You can ask what happened as they weren't the normal them. If they don't want to answer, do not pry. Just letting them know you know is enough and you care.
All my alcoholic and drug overdose pts, if they want to talk, I'll lend an ear. If they don't I still let them know I'll listen.
Basically, today is a good day to start over. E36 M3 happens. You relapse. Big deal. Don't beat yourself up over it. You can start again.
Is this the guy that was involved in that altercation up in Wilmington yesterday?
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