But I have known 3 people who’s lives are destroyed by them. One young mom, lost her life by overdose and left her 3 children alone in this world.

Two friends are barely existing because of their addictions, which take priority over Everything – Including a single fathers child! They are hurting everyone who cares about them; and I am moving away from both my friends, to get away from their addictions!

I pray daily that God will Bless us all; and we can find a way to solve Americas’ drug problems!! All the suffering families & friends, you ARE in my prayers!!! Kathy 40

[Editors Notes]:

The effects of Painkillers include slow breathing, vomiting, nausea feelings, constipated bowels, neck and face flushing, pupil constriction, energy loss, trouble concentrating, and feeling sleepy.

You should never combine painkiller medication with alcohol or other drugs (unless approved by your doctor). It is always a good idea to let the pharmacist know everything you are taking so they can advise you about possible problems – even if the doctor says everything is ok.

The pharmacists are far more knowledgeable in the area of drug interactions.

Longer term use of painkillers can lead to tolerance and needing higher doses of the drug for the same effect, addiction and overdose!

When you are physically addicted to a painkiller, not getting the drug into your system can lead to the following withdrawal symptoms:

Flu like symptoms

body aches

fever

sweat

shakes

chills

inability to sleep

pains in the bones and muscles

diarrhea

nausea and vomiting

Leg twitches

Feeling cold

See your doctor if you are experiencing or think you might be experiencing withdrawal and even more so if you think you are currently addicted to any medication, drug or even alcohol!

This list is a courtesy only and is no way an endorsement of any rehab centers. I have not investigated these centers personally. Please do your homework carefully before choosing a center that is right for you or your loved one.

Behavioral Health Treatment Center in FL

Offers successful treatment for alcohol and substance abuse. Specialty programs for young adults, pain management and depression.
www.bhopb.com

Crossroads Centre: Drug, Alcohol Rehab
Crossroads Centre at Antigua is an international rehabilitation center for the treatment of drug, alcohol and other addictive disorders. Founded by Eric Clapton.
crossroadsantigua.org

Rehab and Recovery for Teens
Regional treatment centers and private boarding schools offering teens extended rehab and recovery from drug or alcohol use.
www.aateens.com

Affordable Drug Rehab with Results
Drug rehab for adults and teens in TX and LA. Residential inpatient and outpatient programs. Ask about our treatment guarantee.
www.rightstep.com

Recovery for the Drug Addict/Alcoholic
Luxurious drug and alcohol treatment in a serene and private setting on the Texas Gulf Coast.
www.bayarearecovery.com

Drug Rehab Treatment Facility
Drug rehab and substance abuse treatment facility at Sunrise Recovery Ranch located in the majestic Southern California foothills.
www.drugrehabranch.com

Sober Living by the Sea Treatment Center
Drug rehab treatment program offering care in a structured 12-step program. Located in beautiful Newport Beach on the Pacific Coast.
www.soberliving.com

Non-Traditional Addiction Treatment
Long-term non-traditional addiction treatment.
www.addiction2.com

AAE Drug Rehab Retreat – One of a Kind
Upscale 14, 21, 28, and 35 day programs. One-on-one therapy in serene healing environment. Intimate 6 bed facility, confidential, organic cuisine, secure, nestled in Southern California.
aaeretreat.com

Renaissance Malibu – Drug Rehab Center
Individualized and confidential alcohol and drug addiction treatment offered in a Malibu, CA oceanfront mansion. We offer hope and healing in a serene environment.
maliburecovery.com

Addicts Are Healed Here
Trust can be restored – relationships can be healed. We treat more than the addiction by helping clients identify the cause of their addictive behavior and bring new meaning to their life.
www.pavillon.org

Passages Residential Drug Rehab Center
Exclusive residential treatment center in Malibu, California specializing in one-on-one treatment of drug abuse and alcoholism. Documented 84% success rate.
www.passagesmalibu.com

The Watershed: Drug Rehab
Make a change today. We are here to help you overcome alcohol and drug abuse. Contact us to receive free confidential online assessment and referrals. We can help you achieve recovery.
www.thewatershed.com

Stone Hawk Drug Rehabilitation Center
Stone Hawk Rehabilitation Center offers holistic residential alcohol and drug rehab programs on beautiful St. Mary’s Lake in Michigan. Over 70% of our graduates stay clean.
www.narcononstonehawk.com

Northern CA Residential Drug Treatment
Luxurious Northern California residential treatment center overlooking San Francisco Bay. Bayside Marin offers confidential, respectful, nurturing, individualized care in serene settings.
www.recoverycenter.com

Milestones Ranch Malibu Drug Rehab
Innovative, alcohol rehab research-based treatment for mental health/drug problems. 12 adult beds/3 levels of care. Beautiful mountain setting.
www.milestonesranchmalibu.com

1-800-Nodrugs.com: Drug Rehabilitation
1800nodrugs.com is a nationwide treatment referral service designed to help you find a rehabilitation center to fit your individual needs. Find addiction information online.
www.1800nodrugs.com

Holistic Drug Rehab Program
Addiction recovery program that works. Chronic relapse specialists. We are recovering addicts with over 17 years of experience.
www.drugrehabcenter.com

Executive Drug Rehab in Style
Enjoy being pampered. We provide compassionate and individualized treatment that offers the chemically dependent person a route to
recovery that is specifically tailored to their needs.
www.capobythesea.com

Tarzana Treatment Center – California
Comprehensive drug, alcohol and mental health treatment. Fully licensed and accredited. Detoxification, residential and outpatient treatment offered in multiple sites throughout L.A. County.
search.tarzanatc.org

Drug and Alcohol Rehab Program
Let us help you recover from your addiction. Cost-effective, caring and compassionate residential treatment rehab in seaside communities of South Orange County, California.
www.abletochangerecovery.com

Drug Rehab Program – Hope by the Sea
Hope by the Sea is a high-qaulity, yet affordable residential alcohol rehab center located in Southern California. Help can’t wait. Call now.
www.hopebythesea.com

Drug Rehab Uses Narcotics to Detox
Summer House offers a narcotic detox service in a no hassles stress free setting. Located in South Florida.
www.drugdetoxcenter.com

Helping with Drug and Alcohol Addiction
We help overcome drug addiction through an emphasis on helping the whole person. Located in secluded Belize, Central America we treat the mind, body and spirit.
www.newrivercove.com

Drug and Alcohol Recovery
Treatment. www.solutions4recovery.com

Drug Rehab
Exclusive, intensive rehab retreat Newport Beach. Executives, professionals, celebrities, pro athletes: alcohol/drug, addictions, burnout, stress. All private services, powerful, effective.
www.beaumondeprograms.com

Newport Beach Drug Rehab
Beautiful, seaside drug rehab facility offering individualized addiction treatment programs steps from the California sand. State licensed, court approved, highly successful. Live healthy.
www.recoveryhome.net

The Sundance Center – Drug Rehab
Professional inpatient, outpatient drug and alcohol rehab. Located in Scottsdale Arizona, we are here to help. thesundancecenter.com

Drug Rehab – Addiction Is Not a Disease
You are not powerless. There is a solution to alcohol and drug addiction. Change your life forever. Advanced technology for substance abuse recovery. Success rate 80%.
www.soberforever.org

Narconon Gulf Coast, Inc
Narconon offers drug rehab in Destin, FL. Recover fully and finally from addiction and get your life restarted. narconongulfcoast.com

Drug Rehab Center
The future of recovery is here today at A Better Tomorrow. Effective drug rehab center.
abettertomorrow.onsmartpages.com

Long-Term Drug Rehab for Adolescents
Caring, professional staff offering drug recovery services and education to drug addicted teens. Call our center in Kentucky today.
www.careacademyky.com

Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center
Cirque Lodge, Sundance Utah offers exclusive and effective drug and alcohol treatment. Let the mountains and our cognitive and experiential therapies provide you healing and hope. Call now.
www.cirquelodge.com

Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center
Beat your addictions at Florida’s Gulf Coast Recovery is a beachfront, comprehensive substance abuse treatment center that specializes in treating alcohol dependence and drug addiction.
www.gulfcoastrecovery.org

Capstone: Drug Rehab Center
Capstone Treatment Center is a residential treatment center for adolescent substance abuse. Capstone Christian treatment model uses proven innovative therapies to stop chemical dependency.
www.capstonetreatmentcenter.com

Texas Drug Rehab
A Texas drug rehab treatment center that is Christ centered and Bible based.
www.eawake.org

Drug Rehab
Affordable, sophisticated and highly-successful alcohol/drug treatment.
www.pachills.com

Drug Rehab
Addiction Information Center is providing complete and current information about rehabs, detox, treatment, alcoholism, drug abuse, centers addiction and other related topics.
www.addictioncareoptions.com

Drug Rehabilitation
Sierra Tucson Treatment Center in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Chat privately with a staff member online or call us toll-free. Compassionate, reassuring, understanding care is available.
www.sierratucson.com

Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Center
Austin Recovery provides effective, compassionate, and affordable drug and alcohol treatment in Austin, TX. Our non-profit organization has been helping individuals recover since 1967.
www.austinrecovery.org

Drug Rehab Resource Catalog
Find information on drug rehab. View parent resource videos online or have them mailed to you for free. Receive parental and educational information on schools and programs.
www.teenhelp.us

Drug Rehab
Alcohol and drug treatment alternative recovery program. Recover at home. Also links to drug/alcohol rehab alternative.
www.homerecovery.net

Executive Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Professional drug and alcohol treatment. Private rooms with baths available. Call for a confidential discussion. Located in Utah.
www.journeyrecoverycenters.com

Rapid Detox from Heroin Addiction
Project Straight offers medically assisted detox and detoxification under anesthesia from heroin, methadone, oxycontin, vicodin and other opiates. Caring, compassionate and affordable.
www.detox911.com

Stepping Ahead Drug and Alcohol Program
We offer women group therapy, transport to AA/NA meetings and a 12 step based community that aids in the development of a healthy support system for long-term sobriety in Palm Beach, FL.
www.halfwayhouse.net

Drug Rehab Ministry
Evangelical Christian ministry in Russia. With your support we build churches, drug rehab centers, and seminaries across Russia.
www.moscowministries.com

Hope by the Sea – Laguna Nigel, CA
Drug rehabilitation, alcoholism treatment, chemical dependency treatment, opiate detox programs, and more.
www.hopebythesea.com

We decided to buy a small house on a large lot together and ‘flip’ it in 12-15 months to a developer after I had obtained the permits. As she was younger than I, we took the mortgage out in her name.

We did this for speed of application, as we wished to pursue our ‘plans’ as quickly as possible. After all , we were only going to be living there a relatively short time.

Within 9-months of moving in she became ill with clinical depression and was placed on anti-depressives, which as time went on became increasingly stronger. She then began to drink alcohol in secret and her resulting behavior patterns started to create all sorts of problems in our previously fantastic relationship.

I had to suspend applying for the Planning permits because it became apparent that her health was not going to be able to deal with any move from, or sale of, our property. As the years rolled on she became worse, she left her job on sick-leave. I started to care for her on an almost 24/7 basis, which nearly destroyed my own working life.

She was still taking anti-depressants , sleeping tablets, tranquillizers and having clandestine alcohol binges at fairly regular intervals. I tried to stop her drinking, she promised to stop drinking but the binges still occurred until they were at just 10 day intervals.

We used a few Librium based detox programs but after each one she went back to alcohol abuse within a short time. She had started collapsing in the street whilst out walking and was admitted to A&E by paramedics-medics as a result many times.

Then, one evening, as it became apparent that she’d begun another binge, she suddenly collapsed at home. She died three days later in Intensive Care of a cerebral aneurysm (stroke) aged just 49.

I immediately realized she had not made a will, but did not know that owing to her condition she had omitted to renew the ‘death’ cover on the mortgage insurance for our home, Or complete the nomination for myself under her own death insurance. As a result,at age 61 I lost everything.

I loved her very much, and she loved me perhaps even more, but in the face of the terrible combination of alcohol and prescribed drugs our once wonderful lives, with a great future, were plunged into a tragic conclusion that I never expected, or had any warning of.

If you are the partner/relative of anyone who is suffering a similar condition, always make sure that your own position within your relationship, as to important matters of finance and legalities is taken care of. Only in that way can you can face up to their difficult day-to-day existence and perhaps unexpected developments, with some element of security and safeguard. Don’t end up like myself.

- All-Alone

— We (pen name)

I went from a $500+ a day habit, to quitting cold turkey!

First I put my baby son before my own wants & needs; and most importantly I allowed my Higher Power-God, into my heart and life!

It took the brink of death, for me to realize I did have something to live for- others!

But I believe that if I could stop and change my own life around, from the living hell I existed in, then anyone can.

Move away, start fresh, allow your own Higher Power into your life! I have faith in you!!!

Allow your heart to guide you! When you learn to live again, you will soon see-that life is truly Worth living!!!

- Submitted By KAN

-Anonymous…. [Person's name intentionally kept confidential - this will only be changed if specifically requested by the person contributing the story. I strongly urge anonymity]

Don't get stuck in a bottle...

It continues to amaze me, some times even daily…, this lack of knowledge and ignorance that people – in general, have.

Then again, I read *somewhere* that 58 % (per cent) of American adults never read a book after high school, and that 70 % (per cent) haven’t been in a book store. And if those figures are transferable to the entire world, it’s not just sad. It’s downright tragic!

Education is important. Knowledge is power!

So I guess that give’s you one part of the explanation as to why I am continuously amazed – some times even daily, about the lack of knowledge and ignorance amongst people in general, particularly when the addiction disease is the topic of a discussion…

There are mainly two aspects of the addiction disease most people don’t understand, or are fully able to comprehend – at all…

The first is that addiction is a disease – and that it’s completely comparable with for instance allergy.

Side note – Questions:

You wouldnʼt give an apple to someone whoʼs allergic to apples – and would die of eating it, now would you?!

So why do you continue to offer alcohol – or any other drug, to an addict?!

Besides from the undisputed fact that the addiction disease is a deadly disease, it is also a two-parted disease;

First: You got the mental part of the disease, or as I prefer to call it: The mental insanity side of the disease.

The part that has complete control over your mind, your thoughts, your good and bad behaviour, your full subconscious inner-self.

The part that subconsciously and constantly speculates, calculates, make plans, comes up with new, plausible and not so plausible explanations, bad, poor and flimsy excuses, so that consumption can continue in loneliness with “somewhat” peace of mind…

Secondly: You got the physical part of the disease.
The part the controls your body, how it physically works and functions.

The part that – even though your addiction disease abuse might have caused various, numerous, life-threatening and life-challenging damages on your body and its organs, makes it ache and crave for more. Much more…

Whether you are addicted to alcohol, drugs, pills, a combined abuser (a+d+p), sex, shopping, gambling, training, work – you name it, ALL variations of an addiction disease has one main common denominator that lies as “the root” of it all – to call it that.

Since we are all cultural diversified individuals and live cultural diversified life’s, each addiction disease variation spreads out from this core root and leads to numerous and various results, diversified and different subsequent consequences.

Picture or visualize it like this:
The addiction disease is like the root of a tree, and each addiction variation of the disease is like the branches that grows and spreads out from the tree’s trunk.

If you look close enough, they all “look” quite differently, they all “grows” quite differently, they all “spreads out” quite differently, they all “behave” quite differently and the “final results” are quite, quite differently.

I am a recovering alcoholic, 41 years of age and I had a 22 year long addiction abuse “career” before I hit my rock bottom. During this period of time I have abused alcohol, drugs, pills and I have combined all mentioned in multiple combination, but my main addiction has always been alcohol. That’s what started it all…

I have been through a six week “life-style-changing” treatment program, and I have been provided with the right and proper tools to live a sober life. I have, among many, many other major, important and life changing discoveries, gotten a better understanding of my addiction disease.

I remember that, four weeks into this program, a female (alcohol addict) participant received a written invitation from some family members or close friends, for an upcoming wedding or big birthday party that – among many quite sensational and remarkable things said: “… You can drink red wine, now that you been through this 6 week alcoholic treatment program now can’t you???” … (I am NOT kidding!)

I mean – seriously! Come on!

It does make you wonder if this person actually thought and believed that this was a 6 week learn-how-to-drink program…

It also makes you wonder what “lack-of-knowledge” or plain, downright stupid and ignorant “life-bubble” some people actually live in…

I don’t hold it against them. I have learned not to. Because they do not know. They are uninformed, uneducated and ignorant individuals.

If you don’t have an open and unprejudiced mind, you are not able to learn about, gain insight into, fully understand or fully comprehend all aspects of an addiction disease – at all.

I have, since I left this program, watched and listened to a great number of other alcoholics, drug addicts and combined addicts share their life’s experiences with others, and what changes the six week “life-style-changing” treatment program has made on them personally, their values, their beliefs and the new-born hope and faith they have obtained for The New Life that lies ahead.

As with everything else in life, some with more realism, truthfulness, sincerity and trustworthiness than others…

Side note: It’s all in the mirror – remember?!

They have – like me, been provided with the right and proper tools to make the right choices in life.
How we choose to use these tools, are entirely up to us…

Even though I have learned a lot from watching and listening to this variety of addicts, the one person that – still to this day, have given me (being addicted to alcohol) the very most, and that reflected in my mirror in the strongest, hardest and most equal way, was a person that was addicted to gambling!

Think THROUGH THAT for a few moments…

I donʼt normally give book recommendations, but I will make one important exception:

“The Big Book” (Alcoholics Anonymous)

AAʼs entire organization is built upon the visionary steps and principles of this great book. And multiple anonymous addiction disease groupings have grown – and spread out, from this root over the years.

AA’s twelve step program is – in its core essence, a “Life-Style-Changing”-program. It’s “An Easy Program” for “Complicated Human Beings”!

It’s a book written almost 100 years ago, but it could just as well have been written today, and be valid for the next one hundred years to come.

There are three ways to read this book.
Which way you choose to read it, is entirely up to you.

I share this book with you with a sincere hope for a bigger insight in – and a better understanding of, the addiction disease and for freedom from co-addiction-dependency throughout a biggest possible joy of Life and fully self-experienced peace of mind.

An upmost friendly advice:
If you haven’t had enough (addiction disease) “beating”, and – if you are the one and only GOD in your own life – it’s not recommended reading…

You always have a choice;
To do this – or that… Follow this path – or that… Live – or die…

Lack of knowledge, pure ignorance and plain stupidity may kill you – or someone you love and/or care much about…

It’s not a game. It’s deadly serious.

What’s your choice?!
- or should I dare say “excuse”…?!

“The Viking”

*Please submit your anonymous stories here for the purpose of helping those addicted to drugs and alcohol or those who love them.

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Don't go over the edge!

In August of 1995 I had literally come to the end of the road. I was sitting on a rock out on Montauk Point LI NY staring out into the darkness at the Atlantic Ocean.

My life seemed pointless, I felt worthless as a parent, friend and in every aspect of my life. Drugs including alcohol were no longer giving me any relief from the emptiness and worthlessness that I felt inside. I no longer could pretend to myself or others that I was OK. I could no longer function in society and my life was unmanageable in every area. I wanted to die and as I sat out there in the dark all I wanted to do was summon up the courage to jump out into the ocean and end my life. I cried , I screamed out to the god I no longer believed in to help me jump.

I was out of money. I had no real friends. My ex-wife and 2 children had lost all respect for me, the engine in my car was shot, and I could no longer function at work. I was way beyond hopelessness ,deeply disturbed, despairing of the mess I had created in my active addiction. And I didn’t realize that I had a choice. Death seemed to be the only alternative.

A few hours passed by and I still didn’t jump. The sky was beginning to lighten up in the east and either I didn’t have the guts to end my life or a higher power was looking out for me. The first rays of the sun beaned across the ocean and hit me directly in the eyes, an unexpected sense of calmness came over me. I realized that I wasn’t going to die on this day and I needed help. I no longer could keep drinking and drugging , perhaps I wasn’t as useless and alone as i felt. I had a small glimpse of hope.

I got back into the borrowed car that I was driving and returned it to my using buddy. She took one look at me and told me that we were going to a meeting. She was going to stop using again and I should go with her. I don’t remember too much about the meeting except it was a basement room filled with addicts who shared about what was going on in their lives.

I heard people sharing about losing jobs, lovers, their friends to the disease of addiction and some from AIDS. And everyone that shared ended by saying ” and I didn’t find it necessary to use today”. Wow what a concept! Could I really change, was I no longer alone? (to be continued)

- anonymous submission by ‘Rob’.  

To All:  Please submit your thoughts, ideas and / or stories about drug and alcohol addiction / abuse here.

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“The problem is not the addiction itself but the deeper issue of how the person sees himself. I believe we need more programs to assist people to see the greatness in themselves, to build up their sense of self worth, to discover that they too occupy a valuable place on this planet.

No one is here by accident. We all have the opportunity to start again IF the individual really wants to improve their life. Help will always appear if the want is there. David, you are a beacon in the dark for those who want to live in the light.”

Thank you Linda.  Your words are very powerful and I believe they will help people who come to visit this site.   And I agree with you – many times what is hidden behind an addiction is an insecurity or low self-esteem.   Sometimes, there may be other things at play.  But many times it very well could be an insecurity and a person’s sense of self worth. 

I had a friend who was a psychologist and most of his practice was based on improving a person’s self worth.  He had techniques that people could use to improve their self esteem.  Some of his ideas were very interesting…

  Thank you again Linda. 

To All:  Please submit your comments, ideas and / or stories about drug and alcohol addiction / abuse here.

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Drugs Hurt Everyone

Question:

Do you know any drug or alcohol related stories?

Answer: I had a boyfriend long ago.  I did not know that he was taking drugs and selling.  But, at the moment I realized this – I went away.

Question: Yes, and what happened next?

Answer: Have not seen him anymore.  Don´t know.  But to be with him would mean that I accept the way he is living.
He takes money for something which destroys people.

Question: Do you think he should pay for his crimes?

Answer:  He will, I´m sure.  Because he takes drugs himself.  Otherwise, there are some other [higher] powers.

Question: Do you know any of the people that he has hurt?

Answer: No.  But I heard from other people he did.

Question:  How do you feel about drug use in general?

Answer:  It’s a way to eliminate feelings, or to get great feelings for a moment – to forget the world and life.  But,  for this you have to pay a big price.

Question: And do you think it is good for people to forget for a while?

Answer: Maybe a way of meditation is a better way. It is in your control. You are not controlled by something that you cannot get rid of anymore.