I first want to thank the staff I was privileged to meet here. Many, rather, all of them deserve individual recognition, as I met so many who were awesome. There was a clear sense of professionalism, empathy, compassion, and genuine care. I didn't feel like a number or a deadbeat for my alcoholism. They went out of their way to keep us happy, smiling and laughing; to get us engaged in treatment, and if someone had a problem with something, many staff seemed to take it on personally as their own, doing everything to find a solution.
Julia stands out as the one person who really went above and beyond in a way that made a huge impact. It was no secret I was in a bad mood, and she talked to me about it, like other nurses had on other occasions; but this time, she sat me down in my room and made it clear my normal deflection answer wasn't going to cut it. She listened to my problems with my wife about my addiction, the conversations we had had, my worries she didn't want me home or to see me. Julia listened to all of this, encouraged me, shared wisdom, and helped me de-escalate the situation and my anxiety.
On top of this, her timing was perfect, maybe a bit lucky, too; this happened on my second to last day of rehab, and I was deeply in what I learned was "metal relapse" (I hadn't acted on it yet possibly only because I was still in rehab). I intended to get drunk as soon as I was discharged, before driving home.
Instead, Julia talked sense into me, helped me turn my mood and the situation around, and probably prevented terrible choices that would have negated my efforts in treatment. She may have helped save my marriage and even my life. Just to make sure other staff followed up with me the next day, and Julia checked on me at the beginning of her next shift. Thanks to the BHS staff for helping me take control of my addiction and my life!