Pubdate: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 Source: Tampa Tribune (FL) Copyright: 2001, The Tribune Co. Contact: http://www.tampatrib.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446 Author: Gary Sprott STRAWBERRY'S WIFE TO LEAD SUPPORT GROUP TAMPA -- A Hearing Is Set For Today In Darryl Strawberry's Criminal Case, But He Isn't Expected To Appear As Darryl Strawberry awaits word on whether he will be sent to prison for his latest drug troubles, his wife announced Tuesday that she will lead a new support group for addicts and alcoholics. ``I know how it feels to have someone addicted to drugs,'' Charisse Strawberry said during a news conference. ``It's a family disease. I've been affected by it and I want to help others. ``My story is really not very different from hundreds of thousands of similar stories all across the country.'' She will serve as president of the Tampa affiliate of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. For the past three years she has been a national spokeswoman for the nonprofit organization, which provides education and referrals but not treatment. ``There is help available for family and friends of alcoholics and addicts,'' she said. ``The stigma on alcoholism and addiction, unfortunately, makes [people] want to keep it a secret.'' Strawberry said the past two weeks have been painful for her and her three young children. Darryl Strawberry, a former New York Yankees outfielder, disappeared from a residential drug treatment center late last month. The eight-time all-star is serving two years of community control and one year of probation stemming from his 1999 arrest for drug possession and soliciting a prostitute. After vanishing March 29 and allegedly telling friends he had been kidnapped and was being held for ransom, Strawberry reappeared four days later at St. Joseph's Hospital. He remained there Tuesday and is being treated for depression. Strawberry, 39, tested positive for cocaine upon his arrival at the hospital, probation records say. He was arrested at the hospital and is under 24-hour guard. Prosecutors want him sent to prison for repeated probation violations. He could face up to five years. A hearing is scheduled for today in Strawberry's case, but he isn't expected to attend. Charisse Strawberry, who brought the couple's 9-month-old daughter, Jewel, to the news conference at a local hotel, said prison isn't the answer. ``Please understand that Darryl isn't a bad person trying to be good,'' she said. ``He's a sick person trying to get well.'' But she acknowledged past frustrations with her husband. ``A lot of times I used to say, `Why can't he just stop?' ' Her view has changed: ``This is a disease; it's not a moral issue.'' Darryl Strawberry had been undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer. Charisse Strawberry said tests in February showed no cancer. Tuesday's announcement ``has been in the planning a long time,'' she added, and wasn't a response to her husband's most recent problems. She said the affiliate hopes to offer family forums, workshops and children's programs. ``I don't want other kids to go through what my kids have gone through.'' To contact the council, call (813) 769-3708 or write to 16017 N. Florida Ave., Tampa FL 33697. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe