Schick Shadel - Day 5

Today started like most with the Breakfast of Champions meeting at 6:30am. I had another great night of sleep which probably goes to show how much better I sleep without any alcohol polluting my system. The topic of the BOC meeting was an analysis of the "Me" versus the "I" whereas the "Me" is how we project ourselves to others and the "I" is how we perceive ourselves. The outcome of the discussion was to ask us to consider how to first remove the addiction and then strengthen the "I" so that the "Me" no longer is an imposter. This might sound a bit confusing but made a lot of sense when explained by Paula.
The second meeting was very interesting as the SSH Medical Director led a discussion on the Genetics and Neurobiology of Addiction. The Neurobiology piece explained the issue of Cross Addiction and why it's ill advised for someone addicted to one drug attempt to substitute another...e.g. an alcoholic stops drinking but starts to smoke marijuana. This again had a lot to do with the production of dopamine and the effects of the receptors, etc. He also discussed the effects of alcohol on REM sleep in that it disrupts the REM multiple times throughout the night. So although you might appear as though you've slept through the night you actually get very little rest. I must say that this hit home to me as I personally experienced this too many times in the past. 
I then had my second Sleepy. These are actually pretty cool in that it's relatively painless but they ask a me a series of questions while I'm sedated. The responses are then reviewed with a counselor to see if there are any subconsious issues still needing to be addressed. Happy to say that most of my responses were predictable and no additional areas of therapy were identified.
We have one more group meeting this evening which is led by a group of SSH Graduates. These are always interesting as they generally have some great insight regarding what it takes to stay sober once they've concluded the treatment.
The churn of the turnstiles continues with people completing their 10 days and others just starting. I met one young man who was still in detox for opiate addiction. He looked pretty out of it still but like most he'll be a different person when he leaves. Then of course, like the rest of us it will be up to him to use the information given to stay away from his addictions. I did lose one really great guy today. He's a local to the area so hopefully I'll see him again when I stop by for meetings while I'm in town.
I have Duffy #3 tomorrow. This will be the usual assualt of emetine + vasodialator followed this time by 12 drinks.  I requested Sabina again as she is my bartender of choice. She's just just so darn nice and positive as the puke bowl begins to fill.
That's about all for now...time to get some homework done and get some rest for tomorrow.