( HEALTH & EDUCATION
Rehabilitation: a constant struggle between the old self and the sober self
y Cathv Cline. Editor
by Cathy Cline, Editor
Editor's note: This is the second in a series of six articles
which focus on the process of drug and alcohol rehabilita
tion for a Native American youth at Nanitch Sahallie
Native American Youth Residential Treatment Program in
Keizer, Ore.
The purpose of this series is to highlight the destruction
which occurs when drugs and alcohol become an
indispinsable part of a Native American's life, to remind
our readers of the thin line between casual use and
dependency, and, finally, to share with you the personal
battles which must be fought before one can turn hisher
back on drugs or alcohol forever.
The first article in this series was published in the
January issue of Smoke Signals in which you were
introduced to "Jay, " and his long history with drugs and
alcohol After being surrounded by drugs and alcohol his
entire life "Jay" sought counseling the day he woke up
with his arms bruised from drug needles.
"Jay" has been at Nanitch Sahallie for several months
now and continues to struggle with learning a sober way to
cope with challenges.
The corners of his mouth were turned down and his
eyes looked dark and heavy, obvious signs that 18-year-
old "Jay" is struggling with his personal rehabilitation
progress.
Working his way through the 12-steps to recovery is a
challenging experience for "Jay," who is letting go of an
old identity dependent on drugs and alcohol, and coming
to terms with his sober self.
Learning how to deal with life's dilema's with a sober
disposition is a part of the internal process of rehabilita
tion. Fortunately, "Jay" likes what he sees in his new
identity.
"It feels good to learn about myself as I work my way
through the 12-steps to recovery," "Jay" said. "I like
being known as a nice guy now, instead of a hoodlum
like in the past."
Spending a week at home for Christmas helped "Jay"
decide that he wants to move to the Salem area when he
leaves Nanitch Sahallie. "I really like this area and my
hometown is too much of a high risk area for me," he
said. "I think being home for too long could cause me to
relapse."
"I was asked to mix drinks for my family while I was at
home," "Jay" said. "It didn't bother me, but there's only
so much of it I would be able to tolerate before I started
drinking again."
Going through the rehabilitation process has given
"Jay" a lot to think about, including his future. He just
recently took the General Education Test through a job
training program in Salem.
Deciding on a career move is not easy for"Jay."
"Housepainting is a real hobby of mine, but I really love
cars so, I may end up a mechanic," he said.
"I am just really looking forward to getting a job and
living a sober life," "Jay" said. A life he thinks will not
include relationships. "It's so confusing, it's easier for
me to not let relationships interfere with my life."
"Jay" is also struggling with social acceptance from his
peers. As a role model at Nanitch, he finds that all the
attention he gets forces him to be more responsible.
However, he reminds people that putting a person on a
pedastool is like pressuring them to be superhuman.
"Nobody is perfect," he said. "We are all human and
bound to make mistakes."
To get his mind off the pressures of rehabilitation,
learning his new identity, and designing a future "Jay"
likes to write poetry. "Writing poems puts my mind at
ease," he said. "It makes me feel better."
Hunter Safety Class
March 23rd through 27th
6:00 pari: to 8:30 p.m.
Nazarene Church
Deadline for Registration
March 13, 1992
NO EXCEPTIONS !
Please call and leave your name and num
ber with Karen or Tracy at 879-5211.
IMMUNIZATION CLINIC
March 26, 1992.
Nanitch Sahallie Treatment Center
5119 N.E. River Rd
Keizer, OR 97303
10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the Grand Ronde Tribal Health Program.
Please bring your child's immunization records and any questions
that you might have regarding your child's health. We would like
to meet you and your childchildren. If you have any questions,
please call the tribal health program at 1-800-422-0232.