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Robert Key
February 2003.
Greetings. My name is Robert and I am an Addict. I have been asked what makes my life different today. The word “different” to me means that there is no change in my life. I not only feel it would be necessary, but also mandatory, to share with you, to tell you a little about the person I have become and the person I once was. Before Addiction I was a son, a brother, and a father of two. I had been on the edge of success in my life for quite  awhile. I was a casual user of what I feel to be one of the most dangerous drugs out. Amphetamines. On the streets it’s commonly called Methamphetamines, or Crank. I never considered myself an Addict. I felt as though I was always in control.

   As I take a look back on my past, about the only thing that I had or was trying to control was the people around me that had love for me. Admitting I had an addiction was just not in my life. I had become isolated from the people who cared, except when I was getting more, using, or finding more contacts to get more, because I owned someone else. I went as far as ignoring my own responsibilities at home thus letting the care of my children and wife go. At times I would even find myself sitting, crying, knowing that there was something wrong with me. I would tell myself,  "I have all of it in control. I could handle it." That thinking came from the drugs. You see, all drugs and alcohol are mind altering, mood changing substances that cause a problem in every area of your life when you’re an "Addict."       

The Addiction is a continuing and progressive illness that usually ends us up in jails, institutions, or death. Likewise, I ended up incarcerated. Although I may be incarcerated by law, I find myself "free from the bondage by the beast that had had me for years." I even remember saying to my mother and a corrections officer from my county that they hadn't locked up the criminal they thought they had, but, instead, they had saved a life that was destined for death.

Having to come to grip with the ways of my past and the people whom I had harmed was the most embarrassing thing I had ever felt, but it was also a great emotional relief. Then I got involved in a program such as this to educate myself of my problem. The problem wasn't me; it was my addictions. Not having to lie to anyone, especially myself, creates motivation to better myself for recovery. Honesty, hope, and faith are probably the biggest factors in my life that helped to create the change of character, by being true and letting people know that I love and care for them.

Then there's hope, which gives me something to look forward to in my future. With hope all things can come true. All of this is supported by faith. My higher power in my understanding is GOD. Faith in Him gives me that hope in the Bible. In the book of Hebrews Chapter 11, faith is defined as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith from others and in myself of my sobriety is my biggest hope. By listening to my fellow treatment partners and telling my story, I have become the person that I once was before all the drugs and the lack of discipline. With this program I have a foundation to continue building my recovery. I would like to say thank you to my counselors and my brothers in treatment. Most of all, to my mother, brothers,  and sister, who are present here today, I would like to say to you, I love you. Thank you for standing beside me through the bad and the good. The support and strength from you is immeasurable and has never gone uncounted by me. We are promised that by taking our sobriety one day at a time, that this is our new beginning. In closing I’m sure that I’m speaking on behalf of all the men here with me today, that without our families we might have surely ended up as a "permanent casualty of our addiction”. I thank you all for being here and would like to leave you with a small token and blessing with this short poem:

The Lord has filled our hearts with the gift of love for others May. He bless you for your kindness and inspire you to always be a true sign of His presence.