He Has an Ambitious Streak in Him Now

We haven’t done a good job of keeping in contact with you but as they say – no news is good news. He had some trouble finding steady employment and this was likely due to the state of the economy, not just his work history. He is working at his profession again. The economy affects his work. Sometimes he works 7 days a week with 12-hour shifts. Last week he was laid off. This has happened before and he returns to work in a few days. When he doesn’t have his regular work he works on firewood. He told me he made $150 one Saturday. I had hand surgery yesterday and he grumbled that he had to take time away from firewood to give me a ride home. He has an ambitious streak in him now that didn’t exist when he was using. We are all happy to see that return.

It was a few months after leaving Michigan before Brian looked like himself again. His appetite returned and he gained weight. Furthermore, those dark circles under his eyes and that odd skin color left him. I have attached a photo of him with me from August 2010. This was taken at an annual threshing bee and tractor show. Not only did Brian’s health improve, his attitude and interests came back. When he was using he wouldn’t have had any interest in going with me to this event.

Brian’s grandmother is especially proud of his progress. She has helped all her grandchildren financially but she said: “This is the first time I have really helped someone.” She did not consider the money a loan or a gift, but an investment. She had seen Brian when he was sick (using) and she is so happy to see him well.

There is sorrow in our community that brings me to write to you today. My town in Washington isn’t really such a small town, but I have lived here since 1980 and I have come to know and meet quite a few people.

On this month a young woman died and because drug use is so prevalent I admit I suspected overdose when I read the obituary. She was only 32 years old and as I read the article I realized that I used to know her mother. When she moved we didn’t see much of each other. Now I wish I had continued seeing her because I frequently share the story of my son’s success. I even give the phone number for RDD if the person is interested. There is a huge problem with black tar heroin here because the cost for a ‘hit’ is only $10 – it’s cheaper than marijuana!

The young woman who died had overdosed on methadone. I learned from my son that when heroin addicts try to kick on their own or miss their dose at the clinic, they try to get their dose from someone who has a supply of ‘carry-out.’ This young woman was given methadone by another woman and she died 3 days later in the hospital. The news article says the police may bring charges under ‘controlled substances homicide’ law.”

I am hoping and pleading again for you to consider opening a clinic on the west coast or better yet in my county. There is great need here.

Kaiser Permanente (a health mainenance organization) spends countless dollars sending patients to methadone clinics in Vancouver, Washington. Most of them probably never get off methadone either. Suboxone^® is rarely offered to addicts. When addicts are incarcerated at the county jail they are not allowed any methadone even if they are in a treatment program (unfortunately my son experienced this). When my son was admitted to the local hospital behavioral health unit they refused his methadone for several days. Addicts have a real fear of dying from withdrawal. Brian embraced RDD when he found out how it works. He knew he was a slave to drugs and he wanted his freedom more than anything.

I want to give you some phone numbers. I am hoping you will contact our local hospital to see if it is possible for RDD to locate in Washington or for patients to be referred to you. It is my understanding that in some cases the state pays for rehabilitation. Please understand I have good intentions for both those in need and your organization.

Thank you.

Regards,
Cher