A Dreaded Place, But a Cure for an Alcoholic

Kayla seemed to “have it all”! She was a nurse, married to a successful doctor, Glenn, who was well respected and admired in the community. They had been working together for over 30 years and had raised 3 beautiful children. Then one day, Glen, decided to go to a tax rally that taught individuals how to escape paying taxes.  Of course, these fly by night programs, are really scams, but Glenn fed into the idea and persuaded some of his colleagues to do the same. He felt like he was really escaping taxes; however he was getting into deeper waters than he had anticipated.

Four years later, the IRS contacted Glen and Kayla advising them that they were in serious trouble.  Things happened quickly and the next thing that they knew is that they were both facing federal charges, since the taxes were filed jointly. Glen decided to fight the Feds, which resulted in a trial where both he and his wife were convicted of fraudently deceiving the IRS and the United States government.

With lawyers’ fees, tax fines, as well as the repossession of personal assets, Kayla and Glenn felt as if they had hit rock bottom. Glenn lost his medical license, as well as Kayla losing the right to practice nursing.  It was just too much, so Kayla reached for a drink every now and then to attempt to calm her nerves. Each day was filled with new tragedies and negative issues. As the stress increased, so did her “closet drinking”.  Her depression further increased her problems, and her drinking habit became apparent to all. She lost weight, interest, and self respect.  She was totally in denial, so help was out of the question. When an alcoholic refuses help, then recovery is not in the agenda; however Kayla did get help, she was forced to receive it – in prison. The day she walked through the gates of the Federal Prison Camp, she has no recourse, but to accept help. Alcohol was not accessible, so she had forced abstinence. Other inmates helped her, since many had undergone many of the same problems. Alcohol rehab support meetings were available 3 times a week, but the most powerful support was in her faith of God that she found in nightly church gatherings. After 2 years in prison, Kayla has conquered her battle with alcohol and is moving on with the rest of her life. Her salvation was really her dread- prison!  The support, peace, and time that Kayla received in this institution helped her conquer her battle against alcohol.