Rob Ford is a little thinner. But, in the interviews he did last week, you could be forgiven for thinking that rehab hasn't really had much effect. Jim Coyle writes in the Toronto Star:
Experienced hands in recovery listen carefully for hints that newbies are harbouring old, self-destructive attitudes or aren't committed to new ways of living. There were lots of alarms in what Ford had to say before his team abruptly scrapped a planned series of one-on-ones with media outlets.
To what we might call “recovery ears,” the interviews Ford did and his homecoming speech suggested he has a lot of getting honest with himself yet to do. In his comments, there was continued rationalizing, self-pity, grandiosity — common traits of the addict and attitudes that sabotage recovery.
When Ford said he “never, ever” intended to do the abusive and appalling things he did, he was rationalizing, minimizing his culpability — seeking to be judged on his good intentions rather than his hateful actions.
When he said he wouldn't wish his suffering on his worst enemy, he was wallowing in self-pity, casting himself as the chief victim in the affair. Self-pity is a fast lane to relapse in addicts.
When he said he has a “phenomenal” record as mayor, that he's “the best mayor” Toronto has had and will “never, ever” change, he showed both grandiosity and close-mindedness. These are also attitudes unlovely among the unafflicted but lethal to addicts.
Ford may look a little better. But he doesn't sound as if he has recovered. Which leads to the question, "Why would Torontoians elect the same old Rob Ford?
He's not new and improved.
8 comments:
I have a feeling, Owen, given his character, that even if Ford does manage to remain sober, he will become, just as George Bush is, a 'dry drunk,' never good in a public official.
Ford doesn't seem to realize, Lorne, that his problem affects his judgement. And his judgement affects the public good -- or lack of it.
He's still the same narcissist he has always been.
There are some serious repercussions of 'falling off the wagon' that Rob Ford and his family should be aware of but due to their overriding sense of entitlement and self importance are probably not considering.
Remember the actor who died in a well known hotel not that long ago? Wasn't it from a lethal combination of alcohol and drugs?
When one is a serious abuser of both (meaning you are using more often and at stronger doses) and go into rehab, the patient is weaned off the drugs/alcohol so that they can adjust to not using any more. My understanding is that when addicts 'fall off' they tend to go back to the same high dosage as they were used to using
before rehab. Their body is not used to that level and often suffer fatal results.
Not that I think any of the Ford family is willing to take advice as they are too busy denying, but if Rob has made a serious attempt at rehab (which we really aren't sure of are we?) then he needs to be very careful he doesn't become another sad statistic as well.
Thank you for posting this very good article, Owen.
(Also, could I please ask you what
'structured sarcasm' is?
I recently heard that phrase.
And 'Philadelphia lawyer' as well,
which I'd heard many years ago.
Thanks.)
Just like watching Stevie.
You get the impression, Ed, that while both men might be self absorbed, neither is self aware.
The phrase is new to me, Loving It. I'll look into it. But, at the moment, I have no answer.
I'm no expert, Maureen. But this strikes me as a half-hearted attempt at rehab.
Post a Comment