Testimonial! RJ's Story
As I have come to my final counseling session at Key to Life I would like to take a moment to reflect on my experience, what I have learned, and how I can incorporate the things I have learned to improve my choices in the future. The Key to Life Counseling experience has made me a better person in many important aspects of my life.
On August 6, 2009, I was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. The legal Blood Alcohol Content limit in the state of Colorado is .08. My B.A.C. was .089. When I look back on that night, like many who are pulled over, I felt that I was okay to drive. I have since learned that not only was I not okay to drive, I made the grave mistake of putting my life and other lives in danger. Early in my experience I was arrogant and was not aware of the seriousness of what I had done. Through treatment not only have I become aware of the mistake that I made, I have changed my lifestyle to make sure I will not make this same mistake again. After my arrest I lost my license for 30 days. I had to ride the bus, which was a very humbling experience. I also had to have an interlock device in my car for four months. I quickly started to realize how much this bad choice was changing my life. However, there were still moments when I felt like I was a victim. I would soon find out that “ the victim” mentality is the wrong mentality to have.
My probation officer referred me to Key to Life Counseling Center for my treatment. She mentioned that the Director, Keith Pontiflet, was a highly recommended counselor and would be a good fit. She was right. I started my treatment sessions on March 29, 2010. I was very impressed by the professionalism of both Keith, and Program Manager Stephanie Stone, but what I appreciated most was the atmosphere provided. I took classes with clients from every aspect of life and every background who had similar stories to my own. I was very impressed with how Keith’s interaction with all of us was very positive and that there was no judgment on what had brought us to Key to Life.
Our first two or three sessions dealt with education of alcohol and the effects it can have not only on our body, but also the people around us. We took a facts and myths quiz that really exposed some of the everyday things you may hear and believe about alcohol and other drugs. For example, I learned that a glass of wine, a 12 oz. can of beer, and a 1.5 oz shot of liquor all contain the same amount of alcohol. Our middle sessions focused on choices and how the choices we all had made had affected nearly every aspect of our lives: alcohol had affected us financially, it had affected our careers to an extent, and it had also affected our families.
Midway through my sessions I was able to attend the MADD (Mother’s Against Drunk Driving) panel. The panel was one of the most influential parts of my experience. At the panel I was amazed to see the number of people who had received DUIs or related offenses. The testimony I heard from one of the guest speakers, helped further open my eyes to the severity of my bad choice. She was in her mid-thirties and had killed her own sister after a night of drinking downtown. The passion of her testimony, as well as the consequences she now has to live with made me understand what I had done.
Our last sessions focused on game plans and how we would make sure we were not in this situation again. I could not help but appreciate Keith’s solution-oriented approach in helping all of us and not judging us for what we had done. He let us know that what we had done does not make us bad people. He stressed to us to have a game plan in advance. For example, if we were going to a social event, we need to have a solution on how we will get to and from our destination if we choose to drink. He reiterated that if you do choose to drink, number one, to be above the age limit and number two, to be responsible and think long term.
I know for certain that after my education and my experience at Key to Life I will not be in this situation again. I understand the importance of my choices. I am forever grateful to Keith and his staff for all they have done for me. They have helped me turn a negative period in my life into one of change and improvement. I would like to thank Keith and Stephanie personally for their efforts, and the things they have done for me.
DUI Education Levels I and II and Therapy Classes.
