- Drugs
My name is Edward and I’m a retired teacher. I also pastored for twelve years in a Southern Baptist Church. Before becoming a teacher, I worked as an oilfield worker for twelve years.
I started using drugs when I was ten years old and have done so off and on all my life. Fortunately, I was a functioning drug addict and worked to support my family–wife and two kids. At the age of fifty-two, I took an early retirement–disability due to back and neck problems. After years and years of being on pain-killers, I agreed to have a morphine pump implanted. I also had fentanyl patches, muscle relaxers and whole lot of free time on my hands.
I remember sleeping a lot and, thinking about my meth use, decided to try it again. I had only used a couple of times, but my wife found out and left me after a thirty-eight year marriage which I thought had been a good one.
As a result I gave up on life, moved a drug dealer in with me, and began using all the meth I could consume. I bounced in and out of jail six times. I longed for my wife to no avail! It was my daughter who never gave up on me and, after almost dying from a drug overdose, I went to a drug rehab she found for me. It was there that I learned about addiction. I learned that I was an addict and had been one all my life. It was the best move I could’ve ever made! I went to treatment March 26, 2013 and I have been clean ever since.
After treatment, I had to do some time for outstanding warrants relating to drugs. After I got out I completed Prop 36, which was also a very good court-ordered program, and about 90 12-step meetings. I still attend NA meetings and I enjoy them. Thanks to my treatment center for introducing me to my 12-step program!
After being separated from my wife for over a year, we have now reconciled. We’ve been together now for 6 months–thanks be to God! We have a nice apartment and a car. We are raising one of our grandchildren. Who said there’s no hope for us addicts?
Finally, when I completed my program, I was given a Heroes in Recovery wristband. I have never removed it, except of course when I was locked up. God bless you and all the addicts still suffering and those caught up in the crossfire!