Hospitals & Institutions and Me
By Andy G. Giesing72008@yahoo.com
How has Hospitals & Institutions worked to strengthen my recovery?
Like most of you when I started this journey of sobriety (second time around) October 25th, 2022, I was looking for a softer easier way. When I first heard someone share about going into jails, my first thought was why would anyone want to do that?
At the time I was doing an IOP, intensive outpatient therapy, for 9 hours a week. In addition, I also attended an AA meeting on Sunday for one hour. And I thought... ten hours per week was plenty of recovery and I was fine.
Then my sponsor, who knew my story, asked me if I thought that was enough meetings to keep me sober. Without hesitation I said no. We were working on the steps, and I knew my knowledge was not sufficient to bring someone else through the steps, and that I needed a solid foundation myself.
I picked up two more meetings per week and found that I had a thirst for more. That I yearned for more of this thing we call recovery. I became more involved, put my hand out and introduced myself, took contrary action and said yes when someone asked for help. Eventually I picked up an additional two more weekly meetings.
Then a good friend I met in this program suggested that I get clearance to go into the jails. I immediately began the process of getting clearance from the Los Angeles Sheriff Department, which I received in December of last year.
I currently go into the correction facilities at least once a month, to do panels, and have found that while you may not make a connection with every inmate, it happens with at least one every time I go. Recently the jail panel landed on my natal birthday, and I let the inmates know that there was no place I would rather be, than with them, sharing my journey.
Additionally, I also lead a panel at a residential rehab every Wednesday. I bring another alcoholic with me to share their experience, strength, and hope, and have found a deeper empathy for them as well.
When I was asked to give my time to the program I used to say “No”, I’m too busy, I have to work. Now when asked I say “Yes”, and I do the work.