Canadian, Oklahoma 11/9/2009 10:44:50 PM
Devastation of Addiction Does Not Wait for Rehab
Devastation of Addiction Does Not Wait for Rehab
Anyone battling a drug or alcohol addiction on their own knows the feeling of hopelessness each time they fall “off the wagon.” The chances of achieving a clean and sober life drastically increase if one attends the correct drug rehab facility for their addictions. Of course, the addict must first make it to a drug rehab facility. Sadly, some addicts overdose and die before they have the chance to become sober. Recently, twenty-three year old Steven Adair became another addict that never made it to rehab. On October 30, 2009 Steven died from an accidental drug overdose at his father Charles’ home.
Charles Adair wanted to share his story with other families who are struggling in their attempts to help an addicted loved one and Mr. Adair’s hopes were to communicate that getting a loved one into treatment quickly is a life and death matter. Mr. Adair recounted, “Steven was an outstanding young man who had an interest in sports, school and his friends as he was growing up. Last February I noticed a change in my son’s behavior. He isolated away from his close friends, lied a lot, stole from me, and was unable to hold a decent job. I found out he would fail drug tests and then be fired. I confronted him on his change in behavior and the fact he had stolen some items from me. At first he became enraged and then finally he broke down and said he was addicted to crack cocaine and alcohol and he didn’t know what to do about it. I told him I had found a drug rehab for him and was making arrangements for him to go.”
Mr. Adair added, “That was last Wednesday night. That night and the following Thursday night he went out and returned home totally inebriated and high on crack. I went to work Friday and when I returned home that evening I found emergency services, the police, fire department and ambulances parked in front of my home. As I walked toward my home I knew immediately what had happened and my fears were confirmed by the approaching police officer. My son had died from an accidental drug overdose.”
Mr. Adair is not alone in losing a loved one to a drug overdose. In a 2008 testimony before a Senate subcommittee, Medical Epidemiologist Dr. Leonard J. Paulozzi of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that in 2005 (the most recent year for which data was available) more than 22,000 American lives were lost due to overdoses, and the number is growing rapidly.
“This is a tragic story that I have seen occur more than once,” stated Michael Kent, Admissions Counselor for Narconon Arrowhead who was working with Mr. Adair to get his son into Narconon. “Loved ones have all the details worked out to get their son, daughter, friend, etc. into treatment and then tragedy strikes. As an admissions counselor, we see that time is the enemy of recovery. When families or individuals wait to get help, often the worst results ensue. At Narconon Arrowhead, we strongly urge those who need help to get it as soon as possible.”
Mr. Adair wants the story of his son known to others who might have suspicions their loved one is battling a drug addiction. “I know the addict needs to want help to overcome his addiction, yet I still feel guilty and wish there was more I could have done for my son. If my son’s story helps one family get their loved one the help needed, although it will not bring my son back, perhaps it can prevent another family from experiencing the pain I am going through now,” said Mr. Adair.
If someone you know is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol and you want to help them achieve lasting recovery, call Narconon Arrowhead today. Call Narconon at 1-800-468-6933 for free addiction counseling, referral and free assessment or visit us at our website http://www.stopaddiction.com/index.php/News/Latest/Devastation-of-Addiction-Does-Not-Wait-for-Rehab.html Narconon has a 70% success rate for graduates living a drug free life.
