NewsChannel 3 talked to one recovering meth user and his family about "hope beyond addiction."
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Local recovery program offers hope for addicts during the holidays and beyond
The holidays can be a difficult time for people dealing with addiction. Experts say many are consumed by shame and guilt associated with their families. But they say there's help.
NewsChannel 3 talked to one recovering meth user and his family about "hope beyond addiction."s
It wasn't too long ago Albert Edivan would not be sitting down and having a friendly conversation with his mother, Judy. Addiction to alcohol and drugs had taken over his life.
"Three years ago, Thanksgiving, my family had to bail me out of jail, just so I could be home for Thanksgiving and that hurt so bad."
Other holidays weren't any better.
"When he would come by, he'd call everybody rotten names, and you just knew it wasn't your son."
"I felt like a failure," Judy told us. "I felt like we as parents must have done something horribly wrong for him to do this to his family."
But all that's changed. Albert is turning his life around. 9 months ago, he entered a recovery program based here in the desert.
For many addicts, the Coachella Valley provides an ideal place to escape. In Desert Hot Springs, there is a haven, an oasis where addicts can learn to cope and recover.
"We try to give them all the comforts of home, because treatment, leaving your homes, your families and everything's, is already a consequence for them."
Jamie Staggs houses recovering addicts here and equips them with the tools they need to stay clean.
He says addicts have an extra tough time during this season because it can dredge up all sorts of bad memories.
"The addict, let's say hasn't been around for 2 or 3 years. That addict's ashamed. You know, if they have kids and they haven't been around for the holidays so when the holidays come back around those emotions of shame and sadness and hurt are enhanced it can lead to even heavier depression."
So his solution, channel the shame into positive goals. It's a battle Albert Edivan continues to fight.
"Today, I have hope, as long as I do what I need to do and stay focused on my family, my daughter, and my program, then all will be well."
And for this loving mother, the difference is amazing.
"I have my son back again. He's my normal, happy go-lucky, responsible dad and son, and um it's just a miracle."
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