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. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin