“The Man in The Glass”

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.

For it isn’t your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.

You may be like Jack Horner and chisel a plum
And think you’re a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.

He’s the fellow to please-never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear to the end.
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.

Poem often cited by Bill Wilson,
Founder of Alcoholics Anonymous

Founded on A Dedication to Change!

The Beachcomber Treatment Center in Delray Beach was founded by James Bryan in 1976 following many years as a Counselor and Addiction Therapist in Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania.  His dedication to the recovery process began as it has with many professionals, through involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous and in a belief he could help others through the “12-Step” process of AA offered in a residential setting.

Jim’s personal program led to a specialized education and post graduate training in the treatment of addictions.  In the 1960’s he completed certification requirements and joined the staff of a leading hospital.  This nationally endowed institution offered state-of-the-art care with a comprehensive approach to recovery from addiction. Jim ultimately became Clinical Director of their residential component.

A writer for this blog, Bob F. first encountered Jim in 1963 at 12-Step meetings in Chester, Pa.  Both were seeking a pathway within the fellowship and launched efforts for new careers in recovery at the same time.  They maintained contact but went their separate ways still deeply involved in the addictions treatment field.  Bob F. heard of the opening of The Beachcomber and visited Delray Beach in 1968.  At that meeting Jim outlined his concepts for a residential program keyed to AA and NA.

From the very start, Jim’s concepts included a strong “after-care” component coupled with family participation where possible.  The beautiful tropical settings were wedded with the structure and discipline of a therapeutic program. Participation would be limited to 16 residents and five counselors would share in “their experiences, strength and hope.”

From the founding of the Beachcomber to his death in December 2005, Jim Bryan’s programs for addiction recovery gained national attention.  The unique tropical setting on a barrier island beach provided a striking natural environment for recovery.  As Jim had stated:  “At our center hope and fulfillment begin to replace emotions such as fear, anger and loneliness in the individual.  The frustration and hidden suffering of family and loved ones come into focus and our holistic approach often prevails.”

Over the 38 year’s from the opening until Jim’s death over 6,000 residents completed the programs evolved with counselor-therapists who contributed insight and their own experiences.  Family counseling before, during and after treatment added hundreds more to the impact of Jim’s vision.  His frequent reminder, now part of his memorial: With Hope Comes Willingness to Change.

It is our hope as the staff at The Beachcomber we will contribute over the coming months to your interest in treatment and in the “recovery process.”  Consequently we will contribute our views and understandings of on-going programs and developments in the field.  These contributions will include material from many sources and include articles, essays and editorial opinions expressed by others who wish to comment on our efforts.

Your participation and contributions are greatly appreciated.  All will be welcome and edited only to the degree required by limited space and adherence to the overall interests of treatment, recovery and the importance of “change” in our lives.  Let’s hear from You!