A Way Out Addiction Treatment Center Newsletter #3 03/2013 | Page 5

Chris
I've been working at A Way Out for 2 years and am the catering manager as well as part of the
counseling team. Addiction is a family illness, and that's where A Way Out sets the bar for being one of
the best treatment centers around. We focus on the clients as well as the family through the struggles of
addiction to let them know that this is a no fault illness and that the disease of addiction can be arrested
and managed through the support of loved ones and as many people as possible!
ADDICTION CAN BE BEATEN.
The “early riser” where we spent many an early morning having copious amounts of coffee and
lengthly personal chats. Chris is also well renowned for his sense of humour and his uncanny
ability to break through the denial factor that we addicts are so deeply afflicted with in the
beginning.
Chris described me as a broken shell of a man when I left A Way Out.
He was also the poor one who accompanied Jolanda to fetch me and book me in.

Johan
My name is Johan and I am a counselor at A Way Out Addiction Treatment Center. As a recovering
addict, I have first-hand experience of the pain and hopelessness caused by this disease and I am
passionate in helping those affected, both in treatment and at home. The most rewarding part in what I do
is seeing the once broken soul leave here whole, happy and healthy. I focus on breaking through the
denial in group session and work with clients on an individual basis. There is hope and help here at A
Way Out, and I am proud to be a part of a fantastic team
WOW. Johan is one of those people who moves in mysterious ways. Quietly going about the task
at hand and getting it done. I remember him as the “night shift” counselor, who spent the vast
majority of his evenings with us.
He is however fondly remembered for his EXTREMELY uncomfortable(for me) yet insightful
Powerlessness and Development Sessions. We nicknamed them “Pap en Derm” sessions.
These eventually became one of my favorite sessions to let go of baggage, in an open, friendly
and non-judgmental way. Thanks Johan.