“I have been a CAP patient since transferring from another clinic on August 1, 2005, and I must say that since then, many things in my life have changed. Here is a sample of some of what has happened to me as a direct result of coming to CAP:
– I no longer need to live a “junkie lifestyle”.
– I attained gainful employment.
-I married a wonderful girl.
-I opened bank accounts.
-I purchased a car.
-I have a vastly improved relationship with my mother.
-My declining health stabilized and improved.
I have always been shown respect and courtesy from my counselors, doctors and nurses. CAP also gives me the privilege of being able to come early, allowing me time to get to work and carry on with my day. I also worked hard to get my pickup level as high as possible.
I mention all of this because recently, I “turned myself in” for taking my medicine when I was not supposed to, thus running out of medicine days before my two-week supply was to last me. This was causing many problems in terms of purchasing methadone on the street from unsavory characters (felonious activity), straining my finances and upsetting my wife. I even had to miss two days of work while I sorted this out with Karen (my counselor) and Dr. Showalter.
Despite this major step backwards and the unspeakable embarrassment of “coming clean” with Karen, the nurses and Dr. Showalter, I feel compelled to say that NOT ONCE have I been made to feel like a “loser”. In fact, everybody has been so very kind, compassionate and understanding! Karen even surprised me by saying that she was “proud” of me for turning myself in!
Once again, CAP proves to be a place where people like me can receive the help we need and never be made to feel guilty or ashamed of things we have done. I just needed to put this in writing, and say “THANK YOU” to Karen (simply the best!), Dr. Showalter, Dr. Rose, Jenni, Sheila, LaDonna and Eric downstairs, Bill, Terry, Marion, Joe and Roshell upstairs, and everyone else who, though I may not know personally, I know you are behind me 100%! I realize that you all put up with a lot from us patients, but CAP IS SAVING MY LIFE (and I am eternally grateful)!
With sincerity, respect, thanks and love,”
— A.S.