A Carpenter's Story

He had 25 years in the carpentry trade and had done it all, framing to finish work. An excellent tradesman, he never had a problem securing employment but stopping by the tavern after work had led to too many fights and arguments. Lately, he just grabbed a case to go and drove.  He’d always enjoyed his work and was proud of what he was able to accomplish.  Then, he began to ‘feel his age’. He couldn’t do the ladder climbing without his knees and feet aching. He hated asking the other carpenters on his crew for help and became more and more frustrated.  He started to drink a little more.  Then, he added meth.  Soon he was drawing his pay in advance. More meth caused his skin to crawl and his teeth to hurt.

Then, he found out he was going to be a grandpa.  He decided he needed to stop.  He wanted to stop for his grandchild and for his job. 

He tried to stop the meth and could not. He was arrested for DUI and placed on probation. He was ordered to report to the probation officer every month and file proof of compliance with attendance at an outpatient treatment program. He did not comply with the terms of probation and was ordered to appear before the judge.

He pleaded with the judge not to put him in jail so that he could continue to work. The judge ordered that he was to report to probation twice a week and provide a urinanalysis, take antabuse, attend daily AA meetings.

The carpenter entered a recovery program and maintained his employment. Today he tells people “My truck always knew the way to the tavern, and then it knew the way to AA!”