At SCRAM of California, we hear from clients all the time about the daily successes they are experiencing while participating in our SCRAM CAM Program. One story in particular stood out as a hallmark for how SCRAM CAM supports long-term behavior change in alcohol-involved clients. Here’s Wallace’s story.
Wallace, whose name we’ve changed for privacy, is a 61-year-old married man with two adult children. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, sailing, flying and traveling. Wallace explained that the main reasons why he used alcohol were to cope with the stresses of work and dealing with his terminally-ill sister. He would binge on alcohol when he felt depressed, overwhelmed with responsibility, and to help with sleepless nights. After being arrested for another DUI, Wallace felt disappointment from his family, was facing significant jail time, and the real possibility of losing his job. Wallace initially volunteered for the SCRAM CAM program to demonstrate to the court his willingness and ability to control his dependence on alcohol. After appearing in court, the Judge agreed and approved his continued stay in the program.
A Different Way to Overcome Alcohol Dependence
Prior to being fitted with the SCRAM CAM bracelet, Wallace attempted to overcome his alcohol dependence many times in the past. He had worked with doctors, addiction specialists, and used medications to help with depression and sleeplessness. After several attempts, Wallace felt these steps were just not enough and searched for something different. He learned about the SCRAM CAM program from a friend who had gone through similar experiences.
After enrolling in the program, Wallace noticed a positive change right away. He lost nearly 30 pounds and feels stronger both physically and emotionally. He learned that physical health plays a large part in managing his depression and knowing that he could not sneak a drink without being caught made it easier for him to avoid even thinking about picking up the bottle.
“This program has been the most effective treatment to control my alcohol addiction,” said Wallace after being on the SCRAM CAM program for 183 days. “Even in situations where others are drinking around me, I don’t have the desire to drink.”
Since his start on the SCRAM CAM program, his family’s reaction has been extremely positive. Wallace’s wife has truly appreciated the results and their relationship has improved. His kids are glad that he is doing so well and says that his family relationships have strengthened now that his demeanor has improved so much.
“The most positive change in my life since enrolling has been that rather than escaping from life, I’m engaged all the time,” Wallace said. “Furthermore, I no longer avoid dealing with issues and take care of them right away.”
I share Wallace’s feelings about the scram and had similar patterns of going periods at a time with no alcohol then binge drinking when I felt like I was stressed out from bad relationship and long work days with no days off unless weather was bad.. I am not even stressed as much and have worked on being a better friend and coach without the desire to drink away everything and every pain but instead handle what is bothering me in a conversation with the people or person directly and honestly. The scram makes me look at myself as part of the problem instead of blaming others all the time . I will ask the court to allow me to wear it longer and seek the counseling to kick the habit to the curb forever.