Pubdate: Mon, 21 Feb 2005
Source: North Thompson Star/Journal (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The North Thompson Star/Journal
Contact:  http://www.starjournal.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1231
Author: Jill Hayward
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

RECOVERING METH ADDICT SAYS "GET HELP"

"I am a recovering meth addict who has been clean for over five
years," said a strong and vibrant young woman who came to the
Star/Journal office a few days ago.

She came to tell her story so that others who may be experiencing
addiction problems can know that there is a way ou,t and light at the
end of the tunnel.

This lady stated that she did not start "using" in school but later on
in life, after marriage, and the addition of family. For her addiction
just insinuated itself - starting with the use of Dexedrine, a
prescription drug, a form of amphetamines (uppers, bennies, pep
pills). Then she unknowingly stumbled into a crack cocaine party, and
after that crystal meth was an easy step to take.

"I was raising a family, working full time, working nights, active in
many community groups such as PAC, Block Parent programs, and more,"
said this woman, "I was trying to be super mom and crystal meth had me
believing I was."

Not everyone smokes marijuana. To start, many use prescription drug
pills to create the fix they require if they are adverse to smoking
pot. She said that she quit using crystal meth on her own when she
realized she had a problem. Unfortunately, she did not realize that
crystal meth and cocaine recovery is a lifetime commitment and the
withdrawal and long-term recovery is often overlooked by the addict.
She stated that she hated herself for a very long time after she
cleaned up, not realizing that the self-loathing she was experiencing
was actually quite normal for a recovering addict.

She became mad at herself for becoming so dependent so quickly and
even the small stresses of everyday life were difficult to face.

"Meth actually changes the way you think," she said. "When I came down
off it I hated myself - and you dip so low. I thought it was all me. I
didn't realize it was the drug. I truly believed it was the whole
world that was at fault and didn't realize how my own personality and
thoughts had changed because of the meth," she said, "I learned
through counseling and group sessions at the Phoenix Centre in
Kamloops that I would carry some of the meth symptoms I was
experiencing for a lifetime and then I learned how to recognize them
and cope."

She stated that even today there are certain scents, lighting, or
other stimulus that will set off a craving for meth. It never goes
away but you learn to cope and to push it aside.

Quitting without professional help was extremely hard and almost
destroyed her family until she found the Phoenix Centre. She was angry
all the time and didn't understand why. She stated that seeking help
and counseling from a support group or organization can make the
transition so much easier for others who want to quit.

"This community is doing such a good thing by providing support groups
and help for recovering addicts," she stated, "No one should have to
be ashamed and leave their home and community to seek help."

If you or someone in your family currently have an addiction problem
you can contact the numbers below for assistance and support. * Trina
Redman, MSW Mental Health Addictions Counselor with the Yellowhead
Community Services at 672-9731 or go to their web site www.wgers.com.

* Phoenix Centre; Counselors Bob Hughes and Jeff Conners look after
the "Meth Kickers" program. They also provide telephone counseling and
individual counseling for family members effected as well. Call
374-4634 or go to their web site at www.phoenixcentre.org.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin