Pubdate: Wed, 16 Jan 2008
Source: StarPhoenix, The (CN SN)
Copyright: 2008 The StarPhoenix
Contact: http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/400
Author: Lori Heggstrom

RECOVERY NEEDS ADDICT TO STOP BLAMING OTHERS

I, too, am a recovering meth addict and can appreciate the fact that 
meth is a tough addiction to overcome. However, that's where my 
similarities with Sandra Bergen end.

I accept full responsibility for my addiction. I chose to do meth and 
one wrong choice led me on a path of destruction.

Bergen blames her drug dealer for a choice she made. She willingly 
drove to his house to get the drugs and she chose to smoke them. He 
did not force them on her. She has not taken any responsibility and 
claims she's a "victim."

I also have done a lot of public speaking on the dangers of crystal 
meth. I have spoken to more than 60,000 people in Saskatchewan and 
visited close to 100 communities. I start by saying, "I take full 
responsibility for everything that has happened to me." I do not 
blame outside influences such as drug dealers and other addicts.

Bergen is travelling to schools to tell her story. I think the 
message she is sending is damaging and just plain wrong if she 
refuses to take responsibility for her addiction.

After hearing me speak, people think; "Crystal meth is a dangerous 
drug. She lost everything, but has taken responsibility and cleaned 
up her life."

After hearing Bergen, youth would come away thinking that it is OK to 
do drugs because, if you get addicted, all you have to do is sue your 
drug dealer. I wouldn't want my child listening to her.

She claims to be a recovering addict. Any recovering addict should 
know that the first step to recovery is to admit you have a problem, 
not to blame it on someone else.

Lori Heggstrom

Saskatoon
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom