The presentation was on addictions. There were 3 guys who came to talk to us, Trevor, Steven, and Rollin.They each shared some of their struggles with their addictions to alcohol and drugs.
All had said that they remember sitting through these presentations when they were in high school and saying that they would never smoke or do that stuff. They also wished they had talked to their parents, school counsellors and teachers. They are here to help not to hinder.
They also said that is was like an illness of the mind that you bring on yourself. They all recall thinking that they weren't good enough, or they were like chameleons that would just blend in with which ever crowd of friends they were hanging with.
Rollin went through the loss of his wife and son, although now him and his son have a great relationship. Rollin can relate to what his son is going through in school and they have agreed to be best friends through all high school and talk about everything. Also while he was in his addictions stage he was involved in a biker gang. he was also attacked during his addictions due to gang membership. He was stabbed tried to commit suicide twice and lost everything, his house, car, everything, and yet he is still here to share his story. He is helping to make a difference in Winnipeg by coaching boxing, he recently opened up a center that anyone can go to. Tune into APTN on December 26 to see one of his moving boxing shows in which he helps street kids. Rollin has been sober and drug free for 5 years now.
Trevor was introduced to drugs when he was in grade 7 or 8 and as he recalls he was high when he attended a presentation like this in high school. He dealt drugs on and off. He hates rehab centers. He went through many in just a year. He is glad that he changed his way from alcohol and drugs. He has been sober for a year and a half now.
And last but not forgotten is Steven. He has always felt different. One day his mom pointed out a man at a 7-11 that looked feminine and said that he was "gay". Steven simply asks what does gay mean? His mom is like a guy who is attracted to men. Now Steven had always had trouble when it came to commitment with his numerous girlfriends he just couldn't commit. He would always be like "I'll try harder with the next one". He would quite often drench his pain and his sense of not belonging by doing drugs and alcohol. He started to deal it too. His life is now great and he has realized that he is gay, but it doesn't matter to him. Steven has been sober and drug free for 2 years on December 13.
Even though they didn't know each other before the 12 step recovery program, they all had many things in common. All three of these men went through many hardships. They lost everything, they felt alone, lost, even rejected at times. They all feel in to the trap of drugs and alcohol addiction.
Now they are all happy to feel free for the first time in years. Even though they said they'd never get into any addictions it still happened. Peer pressure, is one of the main reasons people get into these situations. As they said its easy to say that you won't but harder to actually do.
Yeah i know its long and slightly repetitive but I found the presentation to be good and motivating.
Labels: Addictions, Presentations
