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DEALING WITH ADDICTION |
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DEALING WITH ADDICTION |
My name is Steve Ackerman and I have a long history of drug addiction and alcoholism that dates back to my early teens. My addictions have cost me many things and have, likewise, caused me to make many unwise choices throughout my life. As I write this I am battling the Hepatitis C virus, which I am sure was inflicted thru my use of Intravenous drugs.
This book has been written over the course of a few years, some while totally strung out on one drug or another. Some during and after treatment. The intention of this book is to educate the affected family member, current or considering user, and the flat out addicted on the cause, effect and cost of addiction to mind altering substances.
I have paid many dues, and have many to pay, I'm afraid. My hopes and prayers are that others will not have to go to the great length that I have, in their addiction, to learn all the painful lessons that have been taught to me over my long and troubling history of using and abusing drugs.
I hope to paint a vivid picture of what lies ahead for the young boy or girl that is considering or has begun to experiment with drugs or alcohol. To paint it clearly enough that they are turned off by the whole idea, realizing what it might cost them in the long run.
To maybe be the inspiration that it took for the full-blown addict to come to his or her senses before it is too late for them to recover. To say the things that they wanted to but could not admit to, for one reason or another. To help them realize the problems that their addiction is causing, not only them, but also those concerned for them. To help them to become aware that help is out there and that it is essential for them to seek it before they have lost everything that ever meant anything to them.
To help the affected family member, co-worker or friend to get a better understanding on the subject of addiction. To help them to realize that addiction is a delicate issue. That if it is not dealt with properly can push the one addicted even deeper into their addiction. A condemning attitude is often the concerned friend or family members reaction and, so often, it is not the right way to handle the situation.
My wishes and prayers are that you if you are a struggling addict or alcoholic, affected friend or family member, that you will find hope, strength, guidance and reassurance in the pages of this book. I hope that, in the midst of your struggles, you will realize that you are not alone in your struggle and that there is hope for you.
If you have not yet started experimenting with drugs or booze, I hope that this agonizing story will be enough to discourage you from even considering to. If you are in, up to your eyebrows, into your addiction, that you will seek the help that is available to you before it is too late.
I hope you enjoy what you read. Please let it sink in deeply and let God speak to you in the course of reading it. He will if, only, you will allow him.
Sincerely,
Steve Ackerman