HONESTY IS THE ONLY POLICY

During our stay at Donwood we are afforded the unique (and sometimes painful) opportunity to devote an entire month to the process of self-evaluation. Through the gentle proddings of Mrs. Mary Epp, and the more dramatic confrontations of doctors, movies, video tapes and group therapy, we are gradually led to see ourselves - not only as others see us, but as we really are. The development and degree of acceptance of this self-honesty we are able to maintain during this initial period of introspection, and we begin to build a life free of chemicals.

If we recognize that a prolonged, abusive use of chemicals has led us to poor health physically and socially, then we must also accept the fact that we have become ill psychologically. It seems to me that this symptom of our disease is the most damaging, as our return to total health hinges to such a large extent upon our ability to reverse its ingrained, lingering hold upon us.

Manipulation, procrastination, misrepresentation and self-deception - all employed artfully, almost unconsciously, serves to protect our habit as we move through the addictive process. Our ability to see these patterns of behaviour as having been the controlling influences in our lives is clouded by a mental block known as "defensive thinking." Defensive thinking can continue to be a significant impediment to clear, objective thought, for as long as two years. This we must accept on faith - bewildering and disconcerting as it may seem.

HONESTY: in recognizing the devastating influence the use of chemicals has had upon our lives and the lives of those about us;

HONESTY: in facing up to the impossibility of return to "social" drinking and the need for total abstinence;

HONESTY: in our desire to establish a new pattern of living, and trust in those whose aim is to help us achieve this goal - the kind of trust that allows us to say that we hurt, that we are having difficulty, that we need and want help;

HONESTY: in all our dealings with others - to drop the "front" and to present ourselves as we really are, and the trust that we will be accepted if we demonstrate the same acceptance of others.

HONESTY: with ourselves in all things, and trust in another's motive in pointing out our apparent failures in this area.

This kind of honesty and trust does not come to us easily. Defensive thinking is a powerful force in opposition. We must begin to break it down through a conscious, day-to-day campaign to make self-honesty a way of life. A ten to fifteen minute review of our actions, words and thoughts of today reveals our progress or our retrogression and prepares us for tomorrow's continuing effort. In time, we will establish that peace of mind and self-confidence that rest within any man who can look himself squarely in the eye.

THINK ABOUT IT _ HONESTLY!

MIKE WILSON.

DON SAYS: Mike was on the staff of the Donwood Institute in the 70's when this wonderful article was written. It can stand for the ordinary citizen who does not have a chemical problem. It is a map for healthy living.