For 2 ½ years I have worked for The Council as a case manager in the TASC Program. TASC works with individuals in the criminal justice system who have a substance use disorder and related issues. I help clients develop and implement their plan for recovery and reintegration into the community.
I have recently been working with a young adult in TASC. This client is still a teenager and is at a critical learning point in his/her recovery process. By this I mean that the client is just beginning to learn about his/her substance use disorder and what is required to stay sober. The idea of staying sober is difficult, especially for someone who is young in years or young in their recovery process. They believe they can still drink responsibly despite much evidence (and negative consequences) to the contrary.
This process of growing in understanding is all part of their journey, and is a focal point for me when working with clients. I help people understand that there is a realistic path to a better, more meaningful life, and then I help them walk the path they choose by offering guidance, resources and support. The process involves gaining insight, learning good strategies, perseverance, support and hope. It’s a process, not an event.
In the case of this particular client, the path towards recovery seemed unreachable at first. But now there has been a real change. The client’s Mother came by my office to personally thank me for the help provided through The Council’s TASC Program. The client’s Mother stated she is seeing some serious changes, and has never seen this level of effort before. She simply wanted to tell me how grateful she was to see her child doing so well.
It seems that her child has turned a corner. While all the credit goes to the client, it has been very gratifying to help along the way.
Courtney Barnes, TASC Manager
The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.
