Pubdate: Sun, 16 Nov 2003
Source: Delta Democrat Times (MS)
Copyright: 2003 Delta Democrat Times
Contact:  http://www.ddtonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2123
Author: Kathi Taylor

DRUG RECOVERY TAKES PERSONAL COMMITMENT

The The Editor:

Cynthia Tucker's column on Oct. 21 in the Delta Democrat Times is
incorrect. Tucker is obviously out of her league.

Her column on drug treatment being different for the rich than for the
poor is not true.

All alcohol/drug (A&D units) treatment centers are based upon the
original 12-step program. Most A&D units have a combination of rich
and poor, black, white, Hispanic or other nationality of
clients/patients.

Money does not make a difference in the patient's care or treatment.
Most cities have a mental health facility that caters to both the rich
and the poor sector. They all use the 12-step program.

It is up to the client/patient for his/her own recovery. He/she has
the want/desire to be clean and sober. He/she has to want/desire to go
any lengths to become clean and sober.

Just running into an A&D unit to escape prosecution from the law is
not an answer. But, some clients/patients escape prosecution by using
the avenue of an A&D unit. They are there to escape prosecution, not
to recover.

They are users - A&D users, program users, government users. They are
cons. They have no intention for/to recover. They are not interested
in their recovery, and often hinder other patients' recovery.

They are only truly interested in escaping, yet again, another
conviction. They will tell their counselors and anyone else what they
think their counselor wants to hear. They are lying to themselves and
everyone else.

What radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh did/didn't do is between him,
his counselor, his family and his God. No one else. Limbaugh is the
one who has to live with it. If he's serious, then he'll recover.

Any poor, white, black, purple, pink or green person has the same
chances to recover as the other person. Each is given the same tools
in which to live and deal with in his/her addictions.

It is up to each individual person on how, when or where he/she
wants/desires to recover. Money, fame, position nor color has anything
to do with one's recovery. I know because I've been there.

Kathi Taylor,

Greenville
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin