May 3, 2007

Addressing addiction

As much as I love my beautiful Waianae Coast, I have to acknolwledge that it is not the perfect paradise. Drug addiction is all too common a problem in Hawaii and is especially prevalent among the population of my local community. It is heartbreaking to see the destruction that accompanies it. Education is derailed, lives veer off-course and families and relationships are destroyed. The very fabric of society is being torn apart, but the situation is not hopeless. Our community recognizes the problems we face and there are programs in place to address them. It is a societal issue, but also has to be addressed one-on-one with each troubled individual. That’s the basis for every successful recovery.

My former neighbors Eric and Linda are shining examples of success stories that can be found throughout the area. Both were casual drug users from a young age and they were both addicts by the time they were young adults. I did not know them at that time, but they speak openely of the destruction their addictions brought to their lives. By the time they moved into the house next door they had successfully completed drug rehab programs and were dedicated to living responsible lives. They are actively involved in local outreach, awareness and rehabilitation programs. Linda works in a medical facility and is a public speaker who openly shares her story in order to bring hope those who are still struggling, and to their families and friends. Eric is a boat-builder and musician who gives of his time to support other addicts in recovery. If they did not share their stories so publically it would be hard to believe that there was anything troubling in their backgrounds. They moved when they bought a home two years ago and I still see them on a rgular basis. I am proud and happy to call them freinds.

The turnaround in their lives began when they entered drug rehab programs. It was not something either of them sought. Their family and friends had to lead the way and help them make the decision to bring such drastic change into their lives. It is often someone other than the addict who makes the first step that leads to recovery. There are programs available in many communities, and RehabilitationHQ.com can help you find the right one for yourself or someone you care about. Many options are available as to short- or long-term treatment, type of program and physcial location of the facilities that offer the different services. The professionals who will respond when you follow the link will help you find the ones that fit your particular needs. Their referral hotline can be the first chapter in so many more success stories like Eric’s and Linda’s. If you are struggling with your own drug or alcohol addiction or want to help someone else who is, why not start today by visiting their site and getting the information you need? They sponsored this post but Eric and Linda’s story is real and I’ve shared it to help bring you hope.

Technorati Tags: drugs, drug addiction, addiction referral services, drug hotline, recovery services