“I use heroin and crack cocaine three to four times a day. You should know my drink of choice…but anymore it seems I will drink anything with high alcohol content. You know it all does the job some just faster than others. I average drinking two fifths a day when I can get it. You would be surprised what people will do to feed a habit Tina. Then again maybe you wouldn’t.”

Tina was taking notes the whole time Bette was speaking.

“Bette you will begin therapy sessions day after tomorrow. The sessions will last one hour three times pre day. In the beginning it will be private sessions however the further along in the treatment process you progress the private sessions will be cut down to twice a day but group sessions will be put in place for you to attend three times per day.”

“Leaving the hospital is not an option for you at this point however privileges for group outings will be earned by you as you progress through the program.”

“Bette I must warn you…if you refuse to cooperate while in treatment you will be returned to jail. If you try and run away…you go back to jail. At any time during the next 12 months you are caught using or with drugs or alcohol on the premises…you go back to jail. What I am saying Bette is this is your last chance so take advantage of it.”

Bette never responded the whole time Tina went through her spill.

“Bette do you have any questions?” The room remained silent.

“Well I think that covers about every thing for today. I am sure you are tired and would like to get some rest. Good bye Bette we will talk more tomorrow.”

Two male staff led Bette out of the conference room to the elevator and down a long hallway to what would be her prison for the next twelve months.

Tina sat uninterrupted at the conference table quietly sobbing for the next ten minutes. Breathing deeply she slowly began to pull her self together and made her way to her office to pick up the medical charts of the other patients she was due to see on the patient floor today.

As she walked in an sat down at the round table waiting for Mr. Turner to arrive she thought to her self…Oh God…I don’t think I can do this…please give me strength.

Making notes in Bette’s file on the intake interview for Dr. Black to review Tina noted Bette’s responses to specific questions posed during the session. Considering the length of her addictions and surviving on the streets for so long Tina felt today was a positive start although, the real hard work was just beginning. Closing the file, turning off her desk lamp she picked up her purse and briefcase, locked her office door, and headed home.