drugs are bad, seriously!!!!!!

[guero]

i attended my THIRD funeral in less than 6 months this year today...all drug related deaths, WTF!?!?!?!?!!?

[strobelite]

not pot, i presume?

[guero]

heroin. ^

[strobelite]

sorry for your loss, but happy that 1 bowl every 2 months puts me in the safe zone.

[Pain Freak]

I know how you feel Bret. I lost my best friend of 40+ years to that shit 2 years ago and the pain is still intense! Gawd, I hate drugs!

I've lost a lot of friends to a lot of different drugs to either prison or death, mostly both. My sister is coming home from re-hab today.(alcohol)

[BoingBoing]

My condolenses. It's sad that so many never see a way out of the downward spiral that drugs (yes even alcohol) can become.

FWIW I was recently in that position myself. I didn't think I'd be alive today. What made a difference for me was finally hitting bottom and then talking to others who had the same problem and were recovering.

Your grief is hard enough. You must not blame yourself for what you did or didn't do to help. We alcoholics (and addicts) don't seem to be able to listen to you if you try to help. It sucks, but there you have it.

PS--AA is in the phone book. I think NA, CA, etc. are too.

[CPATCRASH]

Hell, I lost a brother to heroin and after that I was stupid enough to do it myself. Twenty four years clean now though.

Another thing to think about. After being clean for so long, two years ago I was diagnosed with hepatitis C and went through 6 months of interferon treatment. It was a BITCH but I am now considered cured with the exception of the antibody still being in my blood. I never missed work and still rode as well. To make a long story short. If any of you have friends who need help kicking then help them if they will let you.

Sorry for your loss!

[art23rockpile]

Originally Posted by guero

i attended my THIRD funeral in less than 6 months this year today...all drug related deaths, WTF!?!?!?!?!!?

I feel ya, Bret. My experience with this is firsthand, as I was a streetlevel junkie for over a decade (i've been sober close to 15 years). I'd say 80% of the people I knew (including my soulmate, Sheri) are dead now. Help is available for those who are willing to change, but statistically 1 in 35 gets clean/sober. It's a devastating lifestyle for the addict and most everyone he/she come into contact with. You have my condolences.

[chongoblanco]

sorry for your loss I was lucky and left all of my friends because of heroin and was lucky enough to make lots of new friends here it is hard losing the people we care about and in this situation it makes it that much harder keep your head brother.

[nomad]

My condolences. Iv buried a handfull my self . The devistation the addict/ alcoholic causes in others lifes is horible. I was lucky / blessed to have survived it
Iv been sober 11 years. One thing is certian, If you dont start you wont die from it

[Impy]

wow, powerful and touching stories here. thanks to all for your candor and courage. addiction is a sad, lonely and painful journey for all concerned.

[Stray_Bullit]

Sorry to hear about your loss... There is help for people that WANT it. Many NEED it but it is useless unless someone WANTS the help.

12 step programs are a very interesting subculture of society. I've got many experiences with them. I was told that if I ever drank again I would DIE! "To drink is to die" I was told. Or "jails, institutions or death" were my three options if I ever drank again.

Well, ever since I left the 12 step group, my life has become much better! No "friends" stealing stuff from my house. No "friends" sleeping with my wife. No money loaned and never paid back. No people talking endless shit about each other. Not to mention the lack of cigarette smoke around me.

Since I left the program, I've bought a house, gotten re-married and had two children. Family, health and work are my 3 priorities. I have not robbed a store or raped mothers and children and caused holy havoc that was promised me if I was to resort to my "evil ways."

I feel as though I am much better now that Bill and Bob are behind me!

Man, I just went off, I am sorry...

/OFFSOAPBOX

Yea, drugs are bad. That's for sure!

[DownHillPhil]

Besides, there's always the knowledge that Andrew and I will beat the living sh*t out of you if you go back to your old ways

[deusxq]

Originally Posted by Stray_Bullit

\ I have not robbed a store ...

I dont know about that, arent you going around robbing 7/11's these days?