Calvary Center is the affordable, faith-based residential treatment facility in Phoenix for substance abuse where I sought treatment a little over a year ago. Calvary Center offers a wonderful 30 day multi-faceted program which includes individual and group therapy, educational lectures, Bible study, and AA meetings. Every once in a while, I like to mention this rehabilitation facility both to remind myself of where I have come from and also to offer an option for those who are still struggling with addiction. If you have any questions at all about Calvary Center or my experience there, please feel free to call or email me with your questions.
From their website: "Since 1964, Calvary Center has been a leader in Christ-centered recovery. Calvary's affordable, proven treatment program addresses the practical, physical, and spiritual aspects of addiction and problem gambling, setting the stage for long-term recovery and restored family life. Addiction and problem gambling destroys families and lives…we see it every day. There truly is hope for alcoholics, drug abusers and problem gamblers and we can help you take the first step. Call us and ask about Calvary Center at 602-279-1468 or 866-76-SOBER. It may be the call that will change your family forever."
Showing posts with label Addiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Addiction. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Capitol Times Interview/Up Close with Trish Groe
Groe celebrates one year of sobriety, says DUI was a wake-up call
By Jim Small, jim.small@azcapitoltimes.com
The defining moment of Trish Groe’s political career is also the defining moment in her life. A little more than a year ago, the Lake Havasu City Republican was pulled over just outside Parker after police spotted her driving erratically. She failed a roadside sobriety test and was arrested for drunk driving. Less than a week later, she entered a rehabilitation facility to treat an alcoholism problem she said at the time she had struggled with for much of her life. A year has now passed, and Groe — who recently celebrated her first year of sobriety — says the arrest not only provided her with a wake-up call, but it saved her life. She is thankful no one was injured and has a new lease on life.
Groe spoke with Arizona Capitol Times on April 1 about her sobriety, her decision to run for re-election and her status as the only lawmaker who lives in a motor home during the legislative session.
First of all, congratulations on your one-year anniversary of being sober.
Thank you, thank you, I’m very excited about that.
I have to imagine that it’s been a pretty difficult journey just to get to this point. What have been the biggest obstacle and the biggest challenge about that to you?
You know, it’s been terrific. It’s really been awesome. It hasn’t been a struggle with my faith and family and my friends; it has been a wonderful journey. I’m just so thankful for my sobriety and I’m thankful to be here. It’s a shame that it had to happen, but I’m grateful to those law enforcement officers who pulled me over. And I hate that I took such a big risk and I’m glad that nobody was hurt but, you know, I needed that wake-up call. And I didn’t really believe that I had a future and now I think that I do, so to be out from under that beast is just a ray of sunshine.
What’s been the biggest comfort for you during the past year?
Besides my faith, my husband. He has been terrific. And then for as many nasty e-mails that have been rude and crude e-mails, there have been people who have reached out from all over Arizona and sent me e-mails just saying, “We think you’re a good legislator, we really want you to beat this so that you can get back to work.” Or the other day, somebody gave me a book and said, “My sister hasn’t been able to celebrate her one-year anniversary, please pray for her.” So, it’s been nice, I’m speaking at the Teen Challenge event in Mohave County later on in May, so I’m hoping to be able to use my experience to maybe shine a light in other people’s lives and let them know that, as dark as it gets — and it did get very dark for me — there is hope, and you can overcome. There’s victory over this.
You said that you got a lot of e-mails from all over the state, what about your constituents? What’s been the reaction from people in District 3?
My constituents have been awesome, they have really showed mercy and grace and forgiveness. They have sent me cards and letters when I was in rehab here at Calvary Center. I got flowers from a couple of people just after reading some of the stuff that was printed in the paper, so they’ve been great. And I think that they’re definitely interested in character and integrity, but I think hand in hand with that is me being able to admit what I did was wrong and it’s something I do struggle with. And I think people can relate to that. I think we’re all human and we all have our cross to bear. I’m happy to say that I think the bond between myself and my constituents is stronger now, and there’s a lot of communication going on this session.
You’ve said in the past that getting arrested saved your life.
Yes.
How?
Like I said, I didn’t have hope. And I didn’t think that I could have victory over my addiction. It was a very dark place. And being called on the carpet and having to do the press conference and own up to my horrible mistake provided me with impetus to go into rehabilitation and to get help. I knew that I couldn’t do it on my own.
I know that a lot of people called for you to resign after you were arrested and again I think after you pled last year. Why did you choose to serve another term?
I think I do a great job here representing my constituents and so, there never really was any thought of resignation because I think I’ve been very effective here. And I know that I’m here for a reason, sometimes I’m not sure what that reason is, but I think that, for the most part, I speak for my constituents and that was never in question. And I knew that each day that progressed, with my increased sobriety, that I would only be more effective and shine more brightly down here.
Do you expect that this is going to be an issue in your re-election campaign? Maybe not with your constituents, you said that a lot of them have been very understanding and very forgiving. I know that there are a couple other people, at least two other Republicans who have filed for the seat.
I think that perhaps it would be an issue, but that would be so unfortunate. I understand why people want to run for this position and I am frankly shocked that more people don’t, because it’s an extraordinary responsibility, and so, I don’t fault them for running. But I think it would be a mistake on their part if they made this an issue and I hope that they feel called to keep this campaign solely about issues, because that’s what the people deserve to hear about.
Now I think you might be the only lawmaker who lives in a motor home.
(laughing) Down here? Yes. I think Bill Wagner might have when he was in session for a while.
Is this the first year you’ve been doing that?
Yes.
I saw the picture of it online, and it’s gorgeous.
It is very nice. My husband has good taste.
It’s got to be nicer than staying in a hotel or renting an apartment.
Well, we rented an apartment across the street from the Arizona Center last year and it was a nice apartment but it was very small, and it was something to get used to, people living above you and below you and the smoke and stuff like that. So we kind of did a cost analysis and found out that it’s really more cost effective if we park the motor home — not if we drive it these days, with diesel up around $4 a gallon — but if we can live in that motor home. And my district goes all the way to Page and Colorado City and Bouse and all those areas so it’s about nine hours from one end to the other. I’m looking forward to traveling in it during the interim.
Since you’ve been down here, there have been a lot of changes just in the Legislature since 2005, and your caucus specifically seems that it’s borne the brunt of those changes. You guys went from a very solid 38, 39-member caucus…
Those were the days…
…that there was a lot more of an ability to get conservative legislation through. How difficult is it, making that transition, for you — I know that you’re one of the more conservative members of the caucus — to knowing that your ideas and the things that you value were more of a priority for the caucus two years ago?
I think at times I have let that perhaps be a burden, but I have to remember and keep focused that the people that are down here, the diversity that we see in the caucus is the diversity that’s reflected out there in the constituents of Arizona. So I know that my job down here, because I was elected by my constituents, is just to keep voting the way that I vote and not be concerned about how others vote.
Now, saying that, I spend a lot of my time here, because I didn’t run a lot of legislation this year, I spent a lot my time between the House and Senate trying to kill what I think are really bad bills. And I try to tell my constituents, when you’re talking to a legislator, don’t ask what bills they’ve sponsored, ask what bad bills they’ve killed. Because that is much more important than anything that goes on down here. That’s sometimes why I vote on legislation because it’s poorly drafted. The intent of the legislation is good, but it just doesn’t cut it.
I think the off-highway vehicle bill might be an example of ‘poorly drafted.’
It is. I applaud the intent, it’s awesome. But just very dangerous in some of those areas, and it’s difficult. One of the most difficult things I find down here is getting the word to my constituents, not just what’s put in the press where we’re going to create a new license fee and a fund, because that’s all that’s mentioned, but the other aspects of the bill, that are frightening. That’s why I have my blog, that’s why I send out e-mails. I had a new Web site that’s just designed, but that’s really difficult being out-of-county and making sure of those things. And we have a couple small newspapers, they don’t have reporters up here, and we don’t get The Arizona Republic anymore — thank God, in my opinion.
Is that a challenge that you think most of the in-county, the Maricopa County representatives and senators maybe can’t necessarily identify with — having more difficulty communicating with your voters?
I think so. I would love to be able to go home at night and go to an event that’s in my community. That would be neat to be able to visit the schools more or schedule a meeting at seven in the evening, or have coffee with some of my constituents before I come in here, that sounds delightful. And I don’t get that, so when I go in my district I kind of twist arms with people to see if they’ll meet me on a Saturday or Sunday after church before I drive in.
What is the most important bill that you had a hand in either passing or defeating?
I don’t know, there are just so many out there. Just some really crazy ideas, and I used to make a list of all the bills that I called the “Bad Bill Blues.”
What do you think is the most important issue in the state right now?
I think we need to address the situation with illegal immigration because that affects every aspect of our daily lives. Whether it is in the school system or in health care, it influences everything that we do down here. I think that we have got to shut the border; that should be our number one priority. Then we can address some of the other areas.
What else is left for the state to do in that regard?
I think we are on our way. I think we are doing a good job. If we can get this legislation out and we can get it enforced, then I think we are doing a good job with that.
The other thing is just addressing the budget. I was actually excited to come here this session, and I thought ‘OK, we are not in a good situation, but this is a good opportunity to look at some of the redundant programs that we have in government, or some of the programs that are not working so well, or, hey, wait a minute, let’s just look at what our priorities should be and cut funding on that. So, I was really up for the task. Appropriations is my favorite committee. I just spend so much time going over the intricacies of the budget, going in and out of departments and following the money, or at least trying to follow the money. Unfortunately, we are not getting the opportunity to do that, and that saddens me.
You are referring to the negotiations happening behind closed doors?
Not so much the process. I mean the process is what it is, and it is definitely not the best. It is highly unusual for them to take everything out of the Appropriations Committee. In my opinion, the Appropriations Committee has been castrated. I just think we really missed our opportunity to be effective in addressing the budget problem. Right now, because of the time, and because of the way negotiations are going, we are robbing from designated funds and, to me, it makes no sense. It is just scratching at funds.
If you had your druthers how would you address that problem?
If I had my druthers, we would have had a special session. I think we all saw this coming. I used to tell my constituents ‘wow, we are just going to have such a problem when we go in January. I mean, you can see how it affects me. It is just unfathomable that we are in the situation we are in. I think we need to take a look at our social welfare programs. I am not sure that we should be using hard-earned taxpayer money to pay for babysitting. I think our social welfare programs are robbing Peter to pay Paul. I know that there is some redundancy in government, and I certainly know there is some waste in state agencies. I think this is a missed opportunity and for that I am sad. I have spoken to my colleagues, and say ‘how do you explain this to your constituents and say send me back?’
Sounds like you are not going to be one of the green lights on the board when the budget plan comes through.
I would love to be a green. At this point I don’t know what they could do, but I would love to support leadership. That would be nice.
How has this session been different than last session? Last year was rocky, at times, between the leadership and the rest of the caucus. Do you see any difference this year?
I can’t speak for others, but I know for myself that I wouldn’t want their job. I try to give them the respect their position deserves.
Do you have any predictions in the upcoming election? Who is going to win the presidency? How will Arizona fare at the national and state level?
I believe that our Senator McCain is going to win the presidency, and I can say that I am definitely looking forward to being here next year.
By Jim Small, jim.small@azcapitoltimes.com
The defining moment of Trish Groe’s political career is also the defining moment in her life. A little more than a year ago, the Lake Havasu City Republican was pulled over just outside Parker after police spotted her driving erratically. She failed a roadside sobriety test and was arrested for drunk driving. Less than a week later, she entered a rehabilitation facility to treat an alcoholism problem she said at the time she had struggled with for much of her life. A year has now passed, and Groe — who recently celebrated her first year of sobriety — says the arrest not only provided her with a wake-up call, but it saved her life. She is thankful no one was injured and has a new lease on life.
Groe spoke with Arizona Capitol Times on April 1 about her sobriety, her decision to run for re-election and her status as the only lawmaker who lives in a motor home during the legislative session.
First of all, congratulations on your one-year anniversary of being sober.
Thank you, thank you, I’m very excited about that.
I have to imagine that it’s been a pretty difficult journey just to get to this point. What have been the biggest obstacle and the biggest challenge about that to you?
You know, it’s been terrific. It’s really been awesome. It hasn’t been a struggle with my faith and family and my friends; it has been a wonderful journey. I’m just so thankful for my sobriety and I’m thankful to be here. It’s a shame that it had to happen, but I’m grateful to those law enforcement officers who pulled me over. And I hate that I took such a big risk and I’m glad that nobody was hurt but, you know, I needed that wake-up call. And I didn’t really believe that I had a future and now I think that I do, so to be out from under that beast is just a ray of sunshine.
What’s been the biggest comfort for you during the past year?
Besides my faith, my husband. He has been terrific. And then for as many nasty e-mails that have been rude and crude e-mails, there have been people who have reached out from all over Arizona and sent me e-mails just saying, “We think you’re a good legislator, we really want you to beat this so that you can get back to work.” Or the other day, somebody gave me a book and said, “My sister hasn’t been able to celebrate her one-year anniversary, please pray for her.” So, it’s been nice, I’m speaking at the Teen Challenge event in Mohave County later on in May, so I’m hoping to be able to use my experience to maybe shine a light in other people’s lives and let them know that, as dark as it gets — and it did get very dark for me — there is hope, and you can overcome. There’s victory over this.
You said that you got a lot of e-mails from all over the state, what about your constituents? What’s been the reaction from people in District 3?
My constituents have been awesome, they have really showed mercy and grace and forgiveness. They have sent me cards and letters when I was in rehab here at Calvary Center. I got flowers from a couple of people just after reading some of the stuff that was printed in the paper, so they’ve been great. And I think that they’re definitely interested in character and integrity, but I think hand in hand with that is me being able to admit what I did was wrong and it’s something I do struggle with. And I think people can relate to that. I think we’re all human and we all have our cross to bear. I’m happy to say that I think the bond between myself and my constituents is stronger now, and there’s a lot of communication going on this session.
You’ve said in the past that getting arrested saved your life.
Yes.
How?
Like I said, I didn’t have hope. And I didn’t think that I could have victory over my addiction. It was a very dark place. And being called on the carpet and having to do the press conference and own up to my horrible mistake provided me with impetus to go into rehabilitation and to get help. I knew that I couldn’t do it on my own.
I know that a lot of people called for you to resign after you were arrested and again I think after you pled last year. Why did you choose to serve another term?
I think I do a great job here representing my constituents and so, there never really was any thought of resignation because I think I’ve been very effective here. And I know that I’m here for a reason, sometimes I’m not sure what that reason is, but I think that, for the most part, I speak for my constituents and that was never in question. And I knew that each day that progressed, with my increased sobriety, that I would only be more effective and shine more brightly down here.
Do you expect that this is going to be an issue in your re-election campaign? Maybe not with your constituents, you said that a lot of them have been very understanding and very forgiving. I know that there are a couple other people, at least two other Republicans who have filed for the seat.
I think that perhaps it would be an issue, but that would be so unfortunate. I understand why people want to run for this position and I am frankly shocked that more people don’t, because it’s an extraordinary responsibility, and so, I don’t fault them for running. But I think it would be a mistake on their part if they made this an issue and I hope that they feel called to keep this campaign solely about issues, because that’s what the people deserve to hear about.
Now I think you might be the only lawmaker who lives in a motor home.
(laughing) Down here? Yes. I think Bill Wagner might have when he was in session for a while.
Is this the first year you’ve been doing that?
Yes.
I saw the picture of it online, and it’s gorgeous.
It is very nice. My husband has good taste.
It’s got to be nicer than staying in a hotel or renting an apartment.
Well, we rented an apartment across the street from the Arizona Center last year and it was a nice apartment but it was very small, and it was something to get used to, people living above you and below you and the smoke and stuff like that. So we kind of did a cost analysis and found out that it’s really more cost effective if we park the motor home — not if we drive it these days, with diesel up around $4 a gallon — but if we can live in that motor home. And my district goes all the way to Page and Colorado City and Bouse and all those areas so it’s about nine hours from one end to the other. I’m looking forward to traveling in it during the interim.
Since you’ve been down here, there have been a lot of changes just in the Legislature since 2005, and your caucus specifically seems that it’s borne the brunt of those changes. You guys went from a very solid 38, 39-member caucus…
Those were the days…
…that there was a lot more of an ability to get conservative legislation through. How difficult is it, making that transition, for you — I know that you’re one of the more conservative members of the caucus — to knowing that your ideas and the things that you value were more of a priority for the caucus two years ago?
I think at times I have let that perhaps be a burden, but I have to remember and keep focused that the people that are down here, the diversity that we see in the caucus is the diversity that’s reflected out there in the constituents of Arizona. So I know that my job down here, because I was elected by my constituents, is just to keep voting the way that I vote and not be concerned about how others vote.
Now, saying that, I spend a lot of my time here, because I didn’t run a lot of legislation this year, I spent a lot my time between the House and Senate trying to kill what I think are really bad bills. And I try to tell my constituents, when you’re talking to a legislator, don’t ask what bills they’ve sponsored, ask what bad bills they’ve killed. Because that is much more important than anything that goes on down here. That’s sometimes why I vote on legislation because it’s poorly drafted. The intent of the legislation is good, but it just doesn’t cut it.
I think the off-highway vehicle bill might be an example of ‘poorly drafted.’
It is. I applaud the intent, it’s awesome. But just very dangerous in some of those areas, and it’s difficult. One of the most difficult things I find down here is getting the word to my constituents, not just what’s put in the press where we’re going to create a new license fee and a fund, because that’s all that’s mentioned, but the other aspects of the bill, that are frightening. That’s why I have my blog, that’s why I send out e-mails. I had a new Web site that’s just designed, but that’s really difficult being out-of-county and making sure of those things. And we have a couple small newspapers, they don’t have reporters up here, and we don’t get The Arizona Republic anymore — thank God, in my opinion.
Is that a challenge that you think most of the in-county, the Maricopa County representatives and senators maybe can’t necessarily identify with — having more difficulty communicating with your voters?
I think so. I would love to be able to go home at night and go to an event that’s in my community. That would be neat to be able to visit the schools more or schedule a meeting at seven in the evening, or have coffee with some of my constituents before I come in here, that sounds delightful. And I don’t get that, so when I go in my district I kind of twist arms with people to see if they’ll meet me on a Saturday or Sunday after church before I drive in.
What is the most important bill that you had a hand in either passing or defeating?
I don’t know, there are just so many out there. Just some really crazy ideas, and I used to make a list of all the bills that I called the “Bad Bill Blues.”
What do you think is the most important issue in the state right now?
I think we need to address the situation with illegal immigration because that affects every aspect of our daily lives. Whether it is in the school system or in health care, it influences everything that we do down here. I think that we have got to shut the border; that should be our number one priority. Then we can address some of the other areas.
What else is left for the state to do in that regard?
I think we are on our way. I think we are doing a good job. If we can get this legislation out and we can get it enforced, then I think we are doing a good job with that.
The other thing is just addressing the budget. I was actually excited to come here this session, and I thought ‘OK, we are not in a good situation, but this is a good opportunity to look at some of the redundant programs that we have in government, or some of the programs that are not working so well, or, hey, wait a minute, let’s just look at what our priorities should be and cut funding on that. So, I was really up for the task. Appropriations is my favorite committee. I just spend so much time going over the intricacies of the budget, going in and out of departments and following the money, or at least trying to follow the money. Unfortunately, we are not getting the opportunity to do that, and that saddens me.
You are referring to the negotiations happening behind closed doors?
Not so much the process. I mean the process is what it is, and it is definitely not the best. It is highly unusual for them to take everything out of the Appropriations Committee. In my opinion, the Appropriations Committee has been castrated. I just think we really missed our opportunity to be effective in addressing the budget problem. Right now, because of the time, and because of the way negotiations are going, we are robbing from designated funds and, to me, it makes no sense. It is just scratching at funds.
If you had your druthers how would you address that problem?
If I had my druthers, we would have had a special session. I think we all saw this coming. I used to tell my constituents ‘wow, we are just going to have such a problem when we go in January. I mean, you can see how it affects me. It is just unfathomable that we are in the situation we are in. I think we need to take a look at our social welfare programs. I am not sure that we should be using hard-earned taxpayer money to pay for babysitting. I think our social welfare programs are robbing Peter to pay Paul. I know that there is some redundancy in government, and I certainly know there is some waste in state agencies. I think this is a missed opportunity and for that I am sad. I have spoken to my colleagues, and say ‘how do you explain this to your constituents and say send me back?’
Sounds like you are not going to be one of the green lights on the board when the budget plan comes through.
I would love to be a green. At this point I don’t know what they could do, but I would love to support leadership. That would be nice.
How has this session been different than last session? Last year was rocky, at times, between the leadership and the rest of the caucus. Do you see any difference this year?
I can’t speak for others, but I know for myself that I wouldn’t want their job. I try to give them the respect their position deserves.
Do you have any predictions in the upcoming election? Who is going to win the presidency? How will Arizona fare at the national and state level?
I believe that our Senator McCain is going to win the presidency, and I can say that I am definitely looking forward to being here next year.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Mohave County Teen Challenge Spring Banquet
Friday - May 2, 2008
6:30 p.m.
$25 per person/ $200 per table
Nautical Inn Resort & Conference Center
1000 McCullough Blvd., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
Contact: Mohave County Office-928.680.3329 or Phoenix Men's Induction Center Public Relations Office-602.271.4084 ext. 303
FEATURING: Henry Lozano
Henry Lozano is a member of the Board of Directors for the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS) and a Commissioner for President George W. Bush's Advisory Commission on Drug Free Communities in the Office of National Drug Control Policy. He is a graduate of Teen Challenge, a faith-based, global ministry program for substance abuse treatment, and served as the director of Teen Challenge in California from 1974 to 1985. He is also the CEO of Californians for Drug Free Youth, Inc.
Lozano is a Board member of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), and has served three Presidents in substance abuse rehabilitation advisory positions. He is currently promoting President George W. Bush's Access to Recovery Initiative, a competitive grant program providing federal funds to states and tribal governments for voucher programs that expand access to a range of effective substance abuse clinical treatment and recovery support services, including those provided by faith- and community-based programs.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
The Road to Recovery
This year has been a rough one, though I brought it all on myself. I have not written about my battle with alcohol, my arrest, my legal situation, or the state legislature. Because I desire to write about the latter, I find that I first must address the former.
Because my legal situation is yet to be resolved I will write about my arrest once and only once on this blog. I will open the comment section and publish all comments, no matter what your opinion, if they are civil and without profanity, lies will be deleted. Any questions regarding Calvary Center, the rehabilitation center I attended can be answered by their staff at Calvary Center. The toll free number is 866-76-SOBER.
On the evening of March 22, I was arrested in Parker, Arizona for driving under the influence. I was taken to the La Paz County Sherriff’s office. My car was towed and impounded. I thank God that I was stopped and give great thanks that I did not injure others by my appalling behavior. I was released several hours later into the custody of a family member who lives nearby. From what I have been told, this is standard operating procedure for the La Paz County Sherriff’s office.
Approximately one week later I took a leave of absence from the state legislature and entered Calvary Center, a 30-day, faith-based rehabilitation facility located in Phoenix. Although I regret missing time and votes at the Capitol, I am confident that I made the right decision. The staff at Calvary Center taught me the skills I needed to successfully battle my addiction to alcohol and at this time, I am over 4 months sober. If someone you know has a problem with alcohol, drugs, and/or gambling, Calvary Center is the place for them. It costs a fraction of what other facilities charge but the doctors, therapists; the entire staff in fact, is top notch. People from all over the country, from all walks of life comprised the patient population.
Though I focused on my recovery by attending daily mandatory meetings, lectures, group therapy, bible study and work therapy, I was also able to touch base with my colleagues for brief periods of time (by email) in order take part in the budget process. I also was allowed documents pertaining to the state budget along with any priority mail from constituents.
After my rehabilitation I resumed work at the legislature. I reinstated my driver’s license, which had been suspended for 30 days after my arrest, by applying for a 60-day restricted license. This allowed me to drive back and forth to work. 90 days have passed and I now have no restrictions on my license.
No charges have been filed against me yet. I expect charges to be filed any day now. I do not know the reason for the delay. I do not know the gentleman who will be prosecuting my case. Most of what I learn about my case I read in the paper.
At times I feel my life is in limbo, not knowing what the future holds and yes, this is all of my doing. I can’t dwell on this though as it does not make for a very productive day, in fact, it does no good at all. Besides, from the amount of email I get, there are so many others who have taken up this cause. What I know is this…I made a horrible mistake in drinking and driving. I put countless others at risk with complete disregard. I have no excuse. I am sorry for that and sorry for betraying the trust of all who counted on me. I am a Christian and a leader and my behavior has not reflected either. I do not know if I will be able to retain my position. Certainly there are those who desire for me to step down. I will not. This decision is not borne out of pride but of the knowledge that I have been effective as a conservative republican. I stand by my voting record, my awards, and accomplishments. I am not boasting, instead using them as a testament to my effectiveness.
So for now I work, doing the good work I have been blessed to do. I focus on the good in my life and the good I can do for others. I celebrate my good fortune every day which includes my family and friends, my God, my sobriety, and my work. In whatever situation I am learning to be content.
Because my legal situation is yet to be resolved I will write about my arrest once and only once on this blog. I will open the comment section and publish all comments, no matter what your opinion, if they are civil and without profanity, lies will be deleted. Any questions regarding Calvary Center, the rehabilitation center I attended can be answered by their staff at Calvary Center. The toll free number is 866-76-SOBER.
On the evening of March 22, I was arrested in Parker, Arizona for driving under the influence. I was taken to the La Paz County Sherriff’s office. My car was towed and impounded. I thank God that I was stopped and give great thanks that I did not injure others by my appalling behavior. I was released several hours later into the custody of a family member who lives nearby. From what I have been told, this is standard operating procedure for the La Paz County Sherriff’s office.
Approximately one week later I took a leave of absence from the state legislature and entered Calvary Center, a 30-day, faith-based rehabilitation facility located in Phoenix. Although I regret missing time and votes at the Capitol, I am confident that I made the right decision. The staff at Calvary Center taught me the skills I needed to successfully battle my addiction to alcohol and at this time, I am over 4 months sober. If someone you know has a problem with alcohol, drugs, and/or gambling, Calvary Center is the place for them. It costs a fraction of what other facilities charge but the doctors, therapists; the entire staff in fact, is top notch. People from all over the country, from all walks of life comprised the patient population.
Though I focused on my recovery by attending daily mandatory meetings, lectures, group therapy, bible study and work therapy, I was also able to touch base with my colleagues for brief periods of time (by email) in order take part in the budget process. I also was allowed documents pertaining to the state budget along with any priority mail from constituents.
After my rehabilitation I resumed work at the legislature. I reinstated my driver’s license, which had been suspended for 30 days after my arrest, by applying for a 60-day restricted license. This allowed me to drive back and forth to work. 90 days have passed and I now have no restrictions on my license.
No charges have been filed against me yet. I expect charges to be filed any day now. I do not know the reason for the delay. I do not know the gentleman who will be prosecuting my case. Most of what I learn about my case I read in the paper.
At times I feel my life is in limbo, not knowing what the future holds and yes, this is all of my doing. I can’t dwell on this though as it does not make for a very productive day, in fact, it does no good at all. Besides, from the amount of email I get, there are so many others who have taken up this cause. What I know is this…I made a horrible mistake in drinking and driving. I put countless others at risk with complete disregard. I have no excuse. I am sorry for that and sorry for betraying the trust of all who counted on me. I am a Christian and a leader and my behavior has not reflected either. I do not know if I will be able to retain my position. Certainly there are those who desire for me to step down. I will not. This decision is not borne out of pride but of the knowledge that I have been effective as a conservative republican. I stand by my voting record, my awards, and accomplishments. I am not boasting, instead using them as a testament to my effectiveness.
So for now I work, doing the good work I have been blessed to do. I focus on the good in my life and the good I can do for others. I celebrate my good fortune every day which includes my family and friends, my God, my sobriety, and my work. In whatever situation I am learning to be content.
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