Im waiting for Cheryl to come and take me through to the assessment room. This will be my first therapy session. I cant imagine to tell you how apprehensive Im feeling about all of this, in fact Im ***** scared, I dont really want to answer a load of questions about myself, about my life, after all isnt that what I was trying to escape from in the first place my so called life? So why would I want to sit with some bloody do gooder making me face it, when all I want to do is run from it?  

Hey. Drug addict.

Its Mary, trying to force a brave smile if ever I could see one. She looks awful. Her face is all white and there are big dark circles beneath her eyes.

Ill be facing my own demons in a little while, thanks to you.

I smile back. Pull in Mary. I say.

Its an addict moment. You had to be there.     

*~*~*~*~

Hi Tina, today Im going to be spending a considerable amount of time getting to know you, is that okay?

Yes. I look at my feet while Im speaking to her, I dont want to look at her face, I bet she thinks Im a right failure.

So Tina have you been in treatment for cocaine abuse before?

No. Im getting pretty good at these one word answers.

How about other substances have you had treatment for any other substance abuse?

No. Im on a roll.

Okay. What is your cocaine use right now? How do you use it Tina?

Maybe I spoke too soon. Okay Ive got to start stringing some words together.

Well Im not taking anything right now, Im in here, so I guess the answer is nothing, so I cant really answer the second part of your question.

Did I say that a bit too flippantly? Shes looking at me kind of despondently.

Ill put it another way then Tina. What was your use before you were admitted and how did you use it? Is that a little clearer for you?

Is she being ***** sarcastic? Does she think Im stupid or something?