Posted on 12/28/2013 6:54:20 AM PST by PJ-Comix
In a yet-to-be-be published op-ed, Congressman Trey Radel writes at length for the first time since leaving rehab, expressing how he is “still remorseful” and “profoundly sorry.”
Radel, who was arrested last month for purchasing $250 of cocaine during an undercover sting, ended his month long, self imposed, hiatus from social media on Wednesday by posting a thank you to his supporters on Twitter. This op-ed, shared with close associates of the Southwest Florida lawmaker with the note ”I pasted in an oped I wrote for the local papers below,” is Radel’s most forthcoming expression of contrition to date.
(Excerpt) Read more at saintpetersblog.com ...
If he starts driving an old pickup and carrying a Bible with the cover out so it is readable AND making appearances at homeless shelters, soup kitchens etc, he believes he is viable but vulnerable.
His message seems to be: “I blame it all on Demon Rum so, um, can you please re-elect me?”
I did not see any notation of his party, so I Googled him and found out that he is identified as a Republican. Usually no party ID means “democrat”. Is this equal treatment by the media?
There is no "one size fits all" in recovery. He sounds like he is committed to 12 step work (AA). There are suggestions in that process that many of us have adopted as the way to live a life of sobriety.
Recovery does not require us to abandon our ambitions. It does require us to get them in proper order, though. I would think that recovery would be very difficult for a politician, especially a Congressman, who is constantly running for election. Seeking the approval of others is a hindrance to recovery.
Many of us in recovery do note some approval from others in the process. However, that should be a surprise and not be looked at as an accomplishment of a goal. There is danger there - approval feeds the ego. That's probably not a problem for a non-alcoholic. I wouldn't know about that.
An alcoholic / addict's ego is deformed. I have heard us described as egomaniacs with an inferiority complex. Recovery gets it back to some semblance of normality; but constant vigilance and humility on a daily basis - are required to keep it from reverting to its deformed state.
I hope this man has a good sponsor who will hold him accountable and help him on his journey.
ping
I like to read your insights on recovery. What happened to the Recovery ping list?
All substance-abusers will abuse alcohol if they can't get their hands on anything else.
Until he gets honest with himself, and then the rest of the world, his chances are slim. Thanks for pinging me....
The “socially acceptable runs both ways. I see younger addicts will admit to drug addiction, but deny that their addiction includes alcohol. As if they were abstinent when the dope man was tapped out.
Either way - there is denial at work which has to be dealt with in Step 1.
I wish this man all the best. Perhaps this will help others, even on this board. It was this board which helped me when I needed some direction. This, and Don Imus.
Somebody, anybody please tell this guy to quit and change parties in that order.
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