THIS MAYBE A INTREST TO SOME OF MY FRIEND. I just had this letter published in a newspaper recently about are addictions.As a member of a advocacy group in my area I would like to bring awarness to all mind altering substances legal and illlegal and this includes one of the most deadly alcohol. All of these substances kill on a deadly basis. They kill young and old, rich and poor without discrimination. Today's healthcare crisis and the streadly decreasing in government funding of treatment leaves people who have addictions in dire straights. Some readers may balk at the statement, but I would urge them to check state records or local sentencings the the papers for the growing number of people in our prison systems for addiction-related crimes. Funding for programs that would help some not all reduce the prison population and would reduce the need to build more correction facilities. A national Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that over 24 pwecwnr of alcoholism ever seek treatment. And of thoses who do, the average age is 32, 10 years following the the typical oset of of alcoholism from those in the study. My vision is to promote awareeness in our community and to find help and resources for those sick and suffering from the deadly disease of addictions. Bottom line friends this shit kills on a daily basis and if you find sobriety how ever you do it, and keep with it feel like one of the lucky ones. PEACE
Replies
I totally agree! Too many inmates are there because of addiction and do not have or know of a way out. Prison should be for violent offenders. I also wanted to comment on the comment you made to my journal entry. I do not feel you are being rude or butting in. I post those comments for all to see and I welcome advise and opinions. My boyfriend still drinking is a big, huge issue to me and that is where the compromise has to come from. His choice that or me. If he could quit for 2 years so I would quit, then what is the problem with him stopping now, as I have. He has really bad control issues and macho man BS. So he is one who, if I ask something of him or demand something, it isn\'t gonna happen. Well I\'m not asking anymore. You drink, you will lose me. Too much of an issue for me to be around it. And thats what happened with us when I moved out-he demanded that I quit. Well I wasn\'t ready, still didnt think I had problem. The disease took alot more from me before I came out of denial. My bottom was deep. I do not want to go there ever again, and I will stay away from people, places, things that challenge my sobriety. Temptation is everywhere, but I will chose to stay away from it as much as I can. Take it easy..Tina
I totally agree, though I don\'t know how we can go about changing our society, especially since alcohol is so widely accepted. Prohibition? Nah we know how that turns out. I guess this stuff needs to start at home, with parents, perhaps in schools? Maybe more spots on TV about the horrors of addiction? Less glamourization of drinking on tv? Sheesh, there is just no easy answer. Only until we, as a mass conscious society, recognize and reorganize our behaviors will this BE reality.... until then, there needs to be something in place for the prisons and the jails.
You are right, I DO FEEL LIKE ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES. BLESSED EVEN.
BE WELL.
I read some of your journal entries and just want to say I am very proud of your accomplishments and desire to help others. I have four boys, 23,20,16,14. My 20 year old has been clean a year. He is addicted to opiates. It has been very difficult for him but he is doing very well. He is being treated with saboxin (sp) and almost done with that therapy that helps him through his withdrawal. He also attends AA mtgs regularly and a group program for recovering drug addicts, specifically focused on opiates. His life seems to be on track but we know there is always the \"possibility\" of relapse. He, like you, took a pill one day and never stopped until he got caught stealing the drugs from a pharmacy he worked for. We pray for him daily. I have concerns for my 23 y/o. He has been in and out of trouble since he was 14. In my heart and through my research and experience I know he is an addict. We have tried repeatedly to help him. He has been in and out of rehab, been in jail, and in several auto accidents because of alcohol or drugs. This past month, after finding drugs in his room, we talked to him, he agreed to stop drug use and selling. I tested him last week and he tested positive for opiates. He knew we would not tolerate his using or selling in our home. We gave him the option of rehab or moving out. He chose moving out. That sadens me because I know he needs help and is in denial. I fear for his life, but also know I cannot make him ready to quit. My husband is also in denial saying our son is not an addict. How does one know for sure? My heart tells me the habitual use and constant lies are a sure sign. What else can I do to help him? I feel so helpless and my heart aches for him. I fear for his life every day. I find myself asking \"what the hell did I do wrong\". I always thought I parented well. I have open communication with my kids and always made them accountable for their actions. I know there is a point where I have to let go. I have two younger sons to think of and so far I think they have learned drugs or alcohol isnt the way to have fun in life or self medicate with. Thanks for listening, if you have any advice, I would appreciate hearing it.