AWOL

10pm. Earlier today a new woman checked-in. Her mom and son were here dropping her off. It seemed her son had special needs. The new resident hugged her mom and son goodbye and her mom told her she was proud of her. She'd get one phone call tonight and then she'll be allowed to call again in a week - she's in an intensive program that will save her from going to jail/prison. I'm not sure her full story, but one or more serious DWI's got her in here. I had dinner with her. She didn't touch her food.

About 15 minutes ago, she stood behind me in the bubble line. She seemed okay for her first night here. I don't know what she asked the woman in the bubble, but 10 minutes later, she had her sneakers on and she ran out the back door. She's officially AWOL.

She's from a couple hours away from here, so she didn't go home. A bench warrant will immediately be put out on her. I just imagine the reaction from her mom at home, as she will have to care for her grandchild that much longer, while Mom goes to jail.

The gossip has spread among the women here. They are surprised she didn't give it at least one day. Turns out three different people - two females and one male when AWOL just this week. Back to the realities of addiction - you can't force someone into recovery. I pray for the woman and her son that this is her last hurrah and she surrenders herself to getting well. If not, she's looking at the three promises of addiction - prison, insanity, or death. Now I know why there's a door with an "AWOL Closet" sign on it. The newbie's stuff will go in there tonight.