primetimegrape

I am a recovering drug addict. I have been sober for 16 years. I used to drink heavily in my 20's and smoke lots of weed, then I moved on to coke,... read more

I am a recovering drug addict. I have been sober for 16 years. I used to drink heavily in my 20's and smoke lots of weed, then I moved on to coke, LSD, crystal meth and eventually pain meds. I never thought I would abuse pills, but after ankle surgery I got hooked as I was on the pain meds for too long and was not tapered properly. I wanted more and got more, and that went on for awhile with the other drugs and finally I hit rock bottom. My wife was going to leave me, had no job and by then I had enough. I knew I was too smart to throw my life away. My life was going to hell in a handbasket. Was losing money, pawning stuff, esp. for the cocaine and things were getting worse. I finally decided to quit, get away from my "bad" friends and finished school with a psychology degree. I went through terrible withdrawals for weeks after quitting. I was scared to ask for taper meds b/c I thought I would get into trouble. Now I am a successful writer. I do have Panic Disorder and take meds to combat that. I am on a benzo. from time to time when needed, Xanax, but I have never abused that medicine and never will. It benefits me too much from a medical standpoint plus it never made me high or anything, just helps me from a medical standpoint, stops my bad panic attacks and makes me feel normal, but I know many ppl do abuse Xanax and numerous other types of pills and drugs. That is plain dangerous. Xanax is good drug for panic attacks but only to be taken IF NEEDED. I am also on other anti-depression/anxiety medicines. I am not a doctor but have thought about obtaining my LCDC (License Chemical Dependency Counselor) license to teach others about the dangers of drugs. I know tons about legal and illegal drugs and I do my best to help others. I am glad to have God in my life today and my writing!! God Bless to all those that struggle with addiction of any kind, not just drugs!!!