I'm not sure of everyones stance on drug addiction. I'm sure the opinions vary since a large number of ladies are members here. I wanted to post a link but I don't know how to do that so I will just have to tell ya how to see this. There is a wonderful video posted on you-tube about methadone maintanance. Methadone is the medication that I chose to take to help me get off my pain pill addiction. I had started doing terrible things, and socializing with not so good people during my active addiction. For me, methadone was something to get me out of that lifestyle and back on track. I've decided to taper off methadone, but some people stay on it for years, sometimes for life. Some people would rather live dependent on a medication, than chance what would happen with their lives without it. Anyway, there is a video that I want to share with anyone interested. Go to you-tube and type Finding Normal into the search bar. It's about 10 min. long. There are many parts during the video that I would have to press pause just to read the paragraph, sometimes it goes a little to fast. I posted this here because I know that anything drug related can cause a debate, so I figured this would be the safest place to post The lady that made this video is a member of another message board that I attend. IMO she did an amazing job showing the truths about this medication.

By Annie2 on Friday, August 1, 2008 - 02:46 pm:

I haven't watched the video yet, Mara, but I must commend you for admitting to your addiction and seeking help.
Sometimes people switch one addiction for another but you did not. You are stronger than you think or thought about yourself months ago.
We are all so proud of you!

By Dawnk777 on Friday, August 1, 2008 - 02:57 pm:

Finding Normal

Is this the one? Watching it now.

By Annie2 on Friday, August 1, 2008 - 03:09 pm:

Mara, I went to you-tube and put in Finding Normal but there are way more videos to comb through than I thought. Is there a specific one you wanted us to view?
I watched a few. Wow, I thought I had problems...

By Annie2 on Friday, August 1, 2008 - 03:09 pm:

Thanks, Dawn...going to view now

By Dawnk777 on Friday, August 1, 2008 - 03:11 pm:

I just picked the first one. It was about 10 minutes long. It has lots of good facts and stuff, in it. That was interesting. It sounds like it's a good alternative, for some people.

By Annie2 on Friday, August 1, 2008 - 03:37 pm:

Wow, amazing video. People were so candid. Kudos again to you Mara. Keep up the great work you are doing. I agree that methadone can save people's lives.
I also am in favor of people taking "weed" pills or smoking it if they are cancer/hiv patients to increase their appetites and relieve their stress.
Probably another debate board for that one

By Mara on Friday, August 1, 2008 - 04:00 pm:

Yes Dawn! Thanks so much for posting the link! I'm sorry about the mix up Annie, I forgot that there were several others with similar titles. Also, thanks again Annie for the nice words! Addiction is not an easy thing to escape, despite many who feel that addicts are mainly just weak people with no will power. There is so much more to it than that. An addiction to opiates is a terrible problem in many areas, more than many people realize or want to realize.

By Ginny~moderator on Friday, August 1, 2008 - 08:48 pm:

Mara, you deserve every bit of praise you get on this board. It is incredibly hard to overcome addiction - it is not only chemical, but also psychological. You have been very steadfast. I applaud you for what you have accomplished, and thank you for being brave enough to share your story with us.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Saturday, August 2, 2008 - 12:39 am:

The video was very well done, I agree a bit fast on the slides with a lot of text, but other than that very well done.

Only one thing is coming to mind...

Mara, you go girl!!

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, August 2, 2008 - 12:42 am:

You're welcome! You are amazing!

By Karen~admin on Saturday, August 2, 2008 - 10:52 am:

Excellent video! SO many people are not aware of the difference between addiction and dependance - including some (unfortunately ignorant) people in the medical field. I imagine to someone whose life has never been touched by addiction, they are the same, but that is so far from the truth.

^5 to you Mara, for taking the steps you have taken to overcome your addiction and for having the courage to talk so openly about it. Hold your head high, most people will never know how hard this has been for you.