First presentation of 2001 at Kaiser Oakland CDRP

Bettye D., Syl S. and I gave the every 8 weeks presentation of Lifering to the Kaiser 8 week drug and alcohol dependency recovery program on Jan. 2. 

As always we were well received. All three of us told our story and gave a short talk on what LSR is all about. Also, as usual, there were folks in the group who had already been to one or more lifering meetings. 

There is a perceptible difference in the way we are received now than we were a couple years ago. There is virtually no hostility from AA types. We continue to tell them that LSR doesn't care for bashing and that don't allow it in our meetings. 

There were some sharp questions about our program with a small "P". One person seemed to feel a little uncomfortable with having to design their own program. It can be a little scary. We reassured her that we helped each other and there was plenty of crosstalk to assist her. 

Bettye was her eloquent self in putting it on the line about keeping clean and sober and offering all and sundry her help if needed. 

Syl was candid in her story of her family and how her folks had died of alcoholism and that she was not about to. She emphasized that LSR and Kaiser CDRP were instrumental in her recovery. 

Those who had been to LSR meetings chimed in with hoe they enjoyed our meetings. They talked about the crosstalk and that they enjoyed participating and getting help as they needed it. 

I always look forward to talking to this group. I have a soft spot for Kaiser CDRP because I went through the program two and a half years ago and sat in the chairs. In about eight weeks there will be another report like this one and every eight weeks thereafter as long as this LSR person is able to attend.

Bill Somers

Ed Note:  This date marked a small first for our local LifeRing Speakers' Bureau.  It was the first time we were called on to give presentations at two different venues on the same night.  We rose to the occasion; see story on Cornell presentation.  (Posted 1/12/01)