Guys came and went every day at Hazelden. However, we tended to ‘gravitate’ toward the guys who who came in just before us. That’s what I did…
There were 3 other pilots in treatment, in my unit. Another one from Northwest, they other guy from Continental. When I first met Clancy (from Northwest), I thought he was a horse’s ass. He used to introduce himself like, “Hi, my name is Clancy, and I’m a grateful recovering, co-dependent alcoholic.” What? I had no idea what a “co-dependent” was, and I (somehow) knew I was one! Crap…
Clancy and I became good friends by the time we parted ways, and stayed in (loose) touch until he passed away.
(When I got back from Hazelden, I went to a local book store and bought a book on co-dependency. I told the clerk it was for my wife, and asked him if he could wrap it in a brown paper bag! I didn’t want anyone to see me with it. Like, how many of you were standing outside of that bookstore, to see what I was buying?! EGO!)
Okay, now back to Hazelden. Our days were pretty much the same. We would get up at 0530 or so, and go for a walk. Then we would return and clean up in time for our morning meditation at 0700. After that, breakfast. The food was outstanding, and attendance was mandatory. No problem here!
After breakfast we had seminars and counseling sessions. Late morning we had the first of (usually) 3 lectures in the large auditorium. Everyone attended those lectures.
After lunch we had a period for physical fitness, followed by more seminars and a lecture. Very little “free time,” but there was some. And the coffee pot was always going!
Dinner was at 1800 hrs. then we had a break until 2000 hrs. At that time, we gathered once again int he auditorium for a “Lead.” This is where someone shares their story with their alcoholism. I heard some very powerful messages in those meetings; messages that stick with me yet today.
After the Lead meeting we had a bit of time for our homework assignments. They kept us pretty well engaged throughout the program. I found it revealing, enlightening. And I enjoyed it.