X5H3AD

Firstly, I want to thank you all for your comments. When someone like myself undertakes the process of weaning the mind, body and soul from a powerful addictive drug such as heroin, one of the most helpful weapons we have is praise and helpful comments from family, freinds or even strangers- because it is by those comments and words we base our decision that we CAN face the world again and we CAN pick ourselves up to live a normal life again. To your question bobdahog, the answer is no. I belive heroin has a place in this world. That place is where it is MEANT to be right now- in hospitals where people with such terrible conditions such as cancer, their last days are marred by excruciating pain and morphine isn't working anymore- THAT is the place for the drug. NOT on the street. Heroin destroys EVERY illicit user in the end. That was what I hoped the poem I sent would bring home along with an understanding and an insight into how terrible a place a heroin addict is in. If the person doesn't want to get off it, doesn't want to try? There's no hope. I worry about the people like myself who genuinly screwed up and made the wrong choice at a bad time in life. I'm getting better but there's THOUSANDS out there who have no idea what to do or where to go because of fear of shame and ridicule.

I noticed a poem had been posted about the subject of heroin abuse. As a former user I feel I should post a similar verse which is a more poignant account in my eyes of what it can be like to be ensnared by the drug. Take Me in Your Arms (Miss Heroin) - Anon So now, little man, you've grown tired of grass LSD, Speed, cocaine and hash, and someone, pretending to be a true friend, said, "I'll introduce you to Miss Heroin." Well honey, before you start fooling with me, just let me inform you of how it will be. For I will seduce you and make you my slave, I've sent men much stronger than you to their graves. You think you could never become a disgrace, and end up addicted to Poppy seed waste. So you'll start inhaling me one afternoon, you'll take me into your arms very soon. And once I've entered deep down in your veins, The craving will nearly drive you insane. You'll swindle your mother and just for a buck. You'll turn into something vile and corrupt. You'll mug and you'll steal for my narcotic charm, and feel contentment when I'm in your arms. The day, when you realize the monster you've grown, you'll solemnly swear to leave me alone. If you think you've got that mystical knack, then sweetie, just try getting me off your back. The vomit, the cramps, your gut tied in knots. The jangling nerves screaming for one more shot. The hot chills and cold sweats, withdrawal pains, can only be saved by my little brown grains. There's no other way, and there's no need to look, for deep down inside you know you are hooked. You'll desperately run to the pushers and then, you'll welcome me back to your arms once again. And you will return just as I foretold! I know that you'll give me your body and soul. You'll give up your morals, your conscience, your heart. And you will be mine until, "Death Do Us Part" Not a nice way to live eh? It is possible to get away though, I've done just that. I don't want any praise or congratulations- I did it to myself and have nobody to blame BUT myself- I know there are users out there who certainly DO NOT derserve a second chance, as they've passed that point 4 or 5 chances ago! But what about people who are trying? What I want is a second chance so people can see me for who I WAS- before I made the mistake of giving in to my depression and giving up on my hope. Ask most of the heroin users AND alcoholics in Shetland- "Are you happy with your life?" I think the general answer would be the same. If we can isolate and 'cure' the REASONS people CHOOSE to take the drug and KEEP taking it, such as depression for instance, we can hopefully try to 'cure' the cancer that is addiction to ANY drug- not just heroin. Thanks for reading.