A patient in treatment for chemical dependency contacted the Service Center last month to say that she had persuaded her doctor to let her use the Workbook (Recovery by Choice) instead of the AA Big Book in planning her own recovery program. But, she said, it was an uphill battle and her doctor knew next to nothing about alternatives to the 12 Steps. In a case such as this, at a patient's request, the Service Center will send informational material about LifeRing to the health care provider
As it happened, the doctor in this case was a member of a private mental health clinic with more than a dozen psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors. The clinic was on the Internet with a complete listing of its staff. In a couple of hours, the Service Center sent out a mailing to every listed staff member at that clinic, containing a personalized letter, a copy of the Presenting LifeRing Secular Recovery book, and a copy of the LifeRing brochures.
A copy of the cover letter is attached as a PDF file.
Next time a patient comes to a staff member at that clinic, hopefully the patient's battle to persuade the provider to permit the use of LifeRing secular recovery materials will be an easier one. Maybe the providers will accept the invitation extended in the cover letter to send a LifeRing speaker. Maybe the provider will refer the patient to a LifeRing meeting.
If you know of a similar situation where a patient could be helped by educating the treatment providers, please contact the Service Center.
-- Marty N. 5/28/01