Alcoholic, polydrug addict, 35 years old, in a drug treatment center for the fourth time. I have never completed a full course of rehabilitation (one escape and my mother’s decision to pick him up from the center earlier). Subordinate to his mother - he lives as she says. Completely uninitiated. I never worked anywhere, I never had a work book. He doesn’t want to be in the center - of course, everyone here works and lives according to a schedule. His mother arrived (in the second month of rehabilitation) with the goal of taking him home (codependent “on board”). I met my son, he is happy as a child - his eyes are like a house, his lips are like a bow... He is waiting to leave the center. I ask my mother to go with me to the next office for five minutes. For about half an hour I explain to her all the consequences of her decision - about the “rake” that she is stepping on again, about the lack of changes in her son, etc. The result is zero. An idea comes. I tell her: “Let’s do this: of course, you will take your son... but tomorrow, and now I ask you for a favor.” You will inform your son that you are leaving him with us for the entire period of rehabilitation, i.e. for half a year. Let him try to resist your decision at least once. I agreed. Reported. My son is in a stupor. Like in a coma. He can barely breathe. I accompany my mother to the gate, she kind of leaves, waits for my call in the car behind the fence. I go up to her son: - Well, mama's boy, let's go to your room, you little snot. I can’t see you here anymore, but I’ll have to watch your face again for another 4 months! My son falls into hysterics, cries, falls to his knees, snot-screams-drool... Through screams he shouts: “I won’t follow her orders anymore!” I myself know what I need! - So what? - I ask. - I’ll go home today! - But isn’t that what your mother wanted - to pick you up today? After all, it was I who persuaded her to leave you for the full term. - What a bitch you are, Denis! Thank you, damn...! - You're welcome, sucker! Pause about 5 minutes. - In short, I'm staying with you, but not for six months, but for another month! - What the hell? - This is my decision! In spite of you and mommy - the bitch! - First of all, don’t swear at mom! Secondly, I’ll call her here now and you’ll tell her about it yourself, okay? - Okay! Mom comes, her son tells her about his decision. The voice is smooth and confident. I haven’t seen him like this for a long time, and neither has my mother. Let’s continue working...