What am I missing on Josh Hamilton?

[flarendep1]

The only crack addicts i've ever felt sorry for are the ones who had the misfortune of being born with it thanks to a addicted mom. I've had chances in my lifetime to do coke for free several times. Guess what, i chose not to. You keep pointing out the "Addiction" that i never disagreed with. I still have not heard why you started because that is where YOU fucked up and there is nothing or nobody to blame for that choice but YOU.


I have sympathy for people with diseases like cancer but not crack. Sorry .....

I agree Wayne.

I went thru high school in the 70's and only tried beer, in college a did little pot (unlike Clinton, I did inhale and I did like it ). Had opporunities to try cocaine and never did. I saw a few of my friends get messed up and go down that road. I did not feel sorry for them and cut ties with them because they turned into different people than I originally made friends with.

They made choices and I had to make choices, you associate with drug addicts your chances of becoming one yourself has to go up. Choose your friends wisely.

[Chado1]

I still have not heard why you started because that is where YOU fucked up and there is nothing or nobody to blame for that choice but YOU.

Honestly there is no point in continuing this. I dont think it is humanly possible to repeat something as much as I have.

WHEN YOU WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL OR WHATEVER PERIOD OF YOUR LIFE IT MAY HAVE BEEN AND YOU WERE OFFERED YOUR FIRST BEER DID YOU SAY NO? MAYBE YOU DID ON THE FIRST TIME BUT DID YOU EVENTUALLY HAVE ONE? YOU HAD THE LUXURY OF NOT GETTING ADDICTED TO BOOZE CONGRATS TO YOU. WELL UNFORTUNATELY FOR SOMEONE LIKE ME AND AN ALCOHOLIC LIKE BILLY BOB JOE THEY DID HOWEVER GET ADDICTED. OH HOW THEY FUCKED UP WAYNE. OH WHAT A TERRIBLE CHOICE THEY MADE BY ACCEPTING THE OFFER OF A BEER WITH THEIR BUDDIES THEY SHOULDNT HAVE HAD THAT FIRST BEER KNOWING THAT SUBSTANCES CAN POTENTIALLY BE ADDICTIVE. THEY KNEW GOING IN FULL WELL THAT THEY WOULD END UP GETTING ADDICTED AND KNEW IT WOULD HAPPEN TO THEM RIGHT WAYNE?

[wayne1218]

I guess we can just agree to disagree. I cant try to change anyones opinion who has not personally went through substance abuse or been indirectly affected by it so there perception is based on what they have "read", "seen" and "heard" about. Prior to me going through this and just as frank said to we both used to think how you guys are thinking. But the fact of the matter all boils down to now that a drug is a drug is a drug. Whether legal or not, perceived as harder type than another, it can still be just as addictive as anything based on the reaction to the individual, and can still destroy lives and families.

The addiction is broad. The problem came when you started and you never seem to address that .......

[wayne1218]

WHEN YOU WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL OR WHATEVER PERIOD OF YOUR LIFE IT MAY HAVE BEEN AND YOU WERE OFFERED YOUR FIRST BEER DID YOU SAY NO?

I said yes. You know why? BECAUSE I SAW HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE DO IT BEFORE ME WITHOUT GETTING ADDICTED. I was never stupid enough to do coke or crack because i heard what it did to most who tried it. They got addicted.

[Chado1]

The addiction is broad. The problem came when you started and you never seem to address that .......

Please read my previous post. there is nothing else that needs to be said. both substances are equally addictive based on the reaction to the individuals liking of it.

[Chado1]

I said yes. You know why? BECAUSE I SAW HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE DO IT BEFORE ME WITHOUT GETTING ADDICTED. I was never stupid enough to do coke or crack because i heard what it did to most who tried it. They got addicted.

Well I got news for ya Wayne and I aint making this up. I literally can name at least 8 aquaintances off the top of my head that have used cocaine and crack recreationally without getting addicted to it and nobody thinks they will going in either. Addiction is a mental disease that gets some people hooked and some people not. The substance is completely irrelevant and until you recongnize that BOTH can be equally addictive to a differnet individuals reaction and prefernce for it you will not understand.

[wayne1218]

Guess what Chad. Several of those times i was offered Coke, i was drunk too. My answer was still NO. I may not have been able to walk a straight line but i knew what Coke was. I guess blaming alcohol is just easier right ........

[BigMike]

Brett Favre hasn't retired in the last 20 minutes so for that he is a "hero"

[wayne1218]

Well I got news for ya Wayne and I aint making this up. I literally can name at least 8 aquaintances off the top of my head that have used cocaine and crack recreationally without getting addicted to it and nobody thinks they will going in either.

Of course you can Chad because you too was an addict and you hung out with that crowd. ONCE AGAIN, you seem to think most of us do and the fact is, most don't. But since YOU do, i guess we all do.

[Chado1]

Of course you can Chad because you too was an addict and you hung out with that crowd. ONCE AGAIN, you seem to think most of us do and the fact is, most don't. But since YOU do, i guess we all do.

Just trying to back up my point. Until you realiaze that the type of substance you "choose" to use over booze is NOT ANY worse you are truly the clueless one because they are all the same and can all potentially be addictive.

[Lsufan]

I usually don't comment in these threads, but I just feel like I have some experience in this field ...

I have had several relatives addicted to crack, one, most importantly my cousin. He is 6 months older that me and he is like a brother.

Just recently (last 2 years) he was addicted to Lortab (Hydrocodone). It started after he was involved in a wreck. When the doctors stopped prescribing them to him, he bought them off the streets for $5.00 a pill. Soon after-wards, he was taking 15 to 20 pills a day.

He moved away to New Orleans to have easier access to it, and even worked in a gay bar cause it was real easy to get there. He met up with a very rich man, who in turn gave him cash everyday (sometimes in the amount of $1000) and his very own American Express card.

My cousin moved to crack. He did so much crack in a days time, everyday, that his hand was stuck in a turned position, as if he were lighting a pipe, for 2 weeks.

He was arrested twice. After the 2nd arrest he went to Teen Challenge, a Christian based drug and alcohol program. It really worked great for him. He was recently taken out of the program after he was sentenced to 7 years at hard labor. He is currently in a local jail here cause the State prison is full.

He told me that it was his own choice to go out everyday and buy the drugs and do the drugs. He told me that he thought about it everyday. He knew he had to stop, but didn't want to.

He chose, and only he chose ... The "addition" didn't choose.

Also, I was a police Lieutenant for 14 years. I've seen and arrested many addicts. I've worked with them, and also with their families.

90% of all the addicts told me that it was their choice. Their choice to try it, and their choice to continue. Most said that they tried to stop, but it was hard to. But also commented that if they really wanted to stop, they could have, either with help or by themselves.

I've been to meetings with people I have arrested, and with my cousin. I have to say, that I disagree with one major thing they teach in the class .... They make each one of the addicts in the class to fell like, or make them a victim of the drugs. WHAT??? A VICTIM??? Even the addicts told me that it was crazy statement.

Now I'm not saying ALL classes teach this way, but it seems to me that this is where it heading. These doctors and therapist these days just keep on making shit up as time goes by.

A little off subject here, but 15-20 years ago, did any of your classmates have A.D.D.? None of mine did, but now a days everyone is a "victim."

Personally, with my back disability, I can take Lortab everyday. My back usually hurts enough to do so, but I choose not to take them everyday. I only take them when I leave the house, on occasion, and when I'm having extreme pain. And to be honest, I don't mind the "buzz" it gives you. But I choose not to abuse the drug.

I also smoke. I've quit several times. And yes, it was hard to quit, but I did it cold turkey every-time. I went back to smoking cause I WANTED and CHOOSE to. I enjoy smoking, so I CHOOSE to continue.

Am I an addict? I say no, but some may say yes. But I know that I could quit at any given time. I just CHOOSE not to because I enjoy it. But it will come a time when I will not enjoy it anymore, and that's when I'd quit. And if, and I repeat if, I would have problems quitting, I would just turn it over to Jesus. Believe me, He would help!!!

I tell you the truth guys, if more people would find JESUS and accept him as their savior, there would be no more "victims."

[Three Jack]

Honestly there is no point in continuing this. I dont think it is humanly possible to repeat something as much as I have.

WHEN YOU WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL OR WHATEVER PERIOD OF YOUR LIFE IT MAY HAVE BEEN AND YOU WERE OFFERED YOUR FIRST BEER DID YOU SAY NO? MAYBE YOU DID ON THE FIRST TIME BUT DID YOU EVENTUALLY HAVE ONE? YOU HAD THE LUXURY OF NOT GETTING ADDICTED TO BOOZE CONGRATS TO YOU. WELL UNFORTUNATELY FOR SOMEONE LIKE ME AND AN ALCOHOLIC LIKE BILLY BOB JOE THEY DID HOWEVER GET ADDICTED. OH HOW THEY FUCKED UP WAYNE. OH WHAT A TERRIBLE CHOICE THEY MADE BY ACCEPTING THE OFFER OF A BEER WITH THEIR BUDDIES THEY SHOULDNT HAVE HAD THAT FIRST BEER KNOWING THAT SUBSTANCES CAN POTENTIALLY BE ADDICTIVE. THEY KNEW GOING IN FULL WELL THAT THEY WOULD END UP GETTING ADDICTED AND KNEW IT WOULD HAPPEN TO THEM RIGHT WAYNE?

Everyone has their own story but I will share mine, real quickly...40 yrs old, grew up in a very affluent area of Westchester County, NY (Scarsdale) where drugs were readily available thorughout HS becase kids had money. Went to a jesuit college (Villanova) where there was significant booze and drugs were available when needed- it was your typical college campus. I worked in NYC for 15 yrs with some who chose to use drugs recreationally as well as my best friends who have used drugs recreationally as well- coke, pot, shrooms, X. I have never, EVER tried any drug, including pot...I have taken that as far as to never even taken a drag of a cigarette. Didn't drink my first beer until I was 21. KKVend can verify all of this, as if anyone cared.

I don't believe in sharing life stories on the net and certainly do not share my boring, listless life for accolades but I share it with you because why shouldn't I get the standing ovations and the glory from all for never succumbing to the pressure of those around me? Why don't people write artocles about me about being smart enough to SAY NO time and time and time and time again. I had plenty of opps to try and then who knows what could have happened. I certainly had the means to ensure it could be around me whenever I needed it. Now Josh Hamilton becomes an American Idol for what he has been through? He is an absolute inpiration t many, including yourself, but the circle jerk the media is having with this kid makes me neaseus (sp?).

My 'story' is probably not that different than others on this board but I am very tired of the Glorification of JH and of those who cal lhim a hero.

Perhaps if I tried, fell off the wagon, and bounced back I could win the admiration of others and be called a 'hero'? What a croc of crap!

[flarendep1]

I usually don't comment in these threads, but I just feel like I have some experience in this field ...

I have had several relatives addicted to crack, one, most importantly my cousin. He is 6 months older that me and he is like a brother.

Just recently (last 2 years) he was addicted to Lortab (Hydrocodone). It started after he was involved in a wreck. When the doctors stopped prescribing them to him, he bought them off the streets for $5.00 a pill. Soon after-wards, he was taking 15 to 20 pills a day.

He moved away to New Orleans to have easier access to it, and even worked in a gay bar cause it was real easy to get there. He met up with a very rich man, who in turn gave him cash everyday (sometimes in the amount of $1000) and his very own American Express card.

My cousin moved to crack. He did so much crack in a days time, everyday, that his hand was stuck in a turned position, as if he were lighting a pipe, for 2 weeks.

He was arrested twice. After the 2nd arrest he went to Teen Challenge, a Christian based drug and alcohol program. It really worked great for him. He was recently taken out of the program after he was sentenced to 7 years at hard labor. He is currently in a local jail here cause the State prison is full.

He told me that it was his own choice to go out everyday and buy the drugs and do the drugs. He told me that he thought about it everyday. He knew he had to stop, but didn't want to.

He chose, and only he chose ... The "addition" didn't choose.

Also, I was a police Lieutenant for 14 years. I've seen and arrested many addicts. I've worked with them, and also with their families.

90% of all the addicts told me that it was their choice. Their choice to try it, and their choice to continue. Most said that they tried to stop, but it was hard to. But also commented that if they really wanted to stop, they could have, either with help or by themselves.

I've been to meetings with people I have arrested, and with my cousin. I have to say, that I disagree with one major thing they teach in the class .... They make each one of the addicts in the class to fell like, or make them a victim of the drugs. WHAT??? A VICTIM??? Even the addicts told me that it was crazy statement.

Now I'm not saying ALL classes teach this way, but it seems to me that this is where it heading. These doctors and therapist these days just keep on making shit up as time goes by.

A little off subject here, but 15-20 years ago, did any of your classmates have A.D.D.? None of mine did, but now a days everyone is a "victim."

Personally, with my back disability, I can take Lortab everyday. My back usually hurts enough to do so, but I choose not to take them everyday. I only take them when I leave the house, on occasion, and when I'm having extreme pain. And to be honest, I don't mind the "buzz" it gives you. But I choose not to abuse the drug.

I also smoke. I've quit several times. And yes, it was hard to quit, but I did it cold turkey every-time. I went back to smoking cause I WANTED and CHOOSE to. I enjoy smoking, so I CHOOSE to continue.

Am I an addict? I say no, but some may say yes. But I know that I could quit at any given time. I just CHOOSE not to because I enjoy it. But it will come a time when I will not enjoy it anymore, and that's when I'd quit. And if, and I repeat if, I would have problems quitting, I would just turn it over to Jesus. Believe me, He would help!!!

I tell you the truth guys, if more people would find JESUS and accept him as their savior, there would be no more "victims."

Great post LSU,

[BigMike]

Everyone has their own story but I will share mine, real quickly...40 yrs old, grew up in a very affluent area of Westchester County, NY (Scarsdale) where drugs were readily available thorughout HS becase kids had money. Went to a jesuit college (Villanova) where there was significant booze and drugs were available when needed- it was your typical college campus. I worked in NYC for 15 yrs with some who chose to use drugs recreationally as well as my best friends who have used drugs recreationally as well- coke, pot, shrooms, X. I have never, EVER tried any drug, including pot...I have taken that as far as to never even taken a drag of a cigarette. Didn't drink my first beer until I was 21. KKVend can verify all of this, as if anyone cared.

I don't believe in sharing life stories on the net and certainly do not share my boring, listless life for accolades but I share it with you because why shouldn't I get the standing ovations and the glory from all for never succumbing to the pressure of those around me? Why don't people write artocles about me about being smart enough to SAY NO time and time and time and time again. I had plenty of opps to try and then who knows what could have happened. I certainly had the means to ensure it could be around me whenever I needed it. Now Josh Hamilton becomes an American Idol for what he has been through? He is an absolute inpiration t many, including yourself, but the circle jerk the media is having with this kid makes me neaseus (sp?).

My 'story' is probably not that different than others on this board but I am very tired of the Glorification of JH and of those who cal lhim a hero.

Perhaps if I tried, fell off the wagon, and bounced back I could win the admiration of others and be called a 'hero'? What a croc of crap!

Billy Wagner hasn't blown a save in the last 20 minutes and for that he is a "hero"

[Chado1]

I usually don't comment in these threads, but I just feel like I have some experience in this field ...

I have had several relatives addicted to crack, one, most importantly my cousin. He is 6 months older that me and he is like a brother.

Just recently (last 2 years) he was addicted to Lortab (Hydrocodone). It started after he was involved in a wreck. When the doctors stopped prescribing them to him, he bought them off the streets for $5.00 a pill. Soon after-wards, he was taking 15 to 20 pills a day.

He moved away to New Orleans to have easier access to it, and even worked in a gay bar cause it was real easy to get there. He met up with a very rich man, who in turn gave him cash everyday (sometimes in the amount of $1000) and his very own American Express card.

My cousin moved to crack. He did so much crack in a days time, everyday, that his hand was stuck in a turned position, as if he were lighting a pipe, for 2 weeks.

He was arrested twice. After the 2nd arrest he went to Teen Challenge, a Christian based drug and alcohol program. It really worked great for him. He was recently taken out of the program after he was sentenced to 7 years at hard labor. He is currently in a local jail here cause the State prison is full.

He told me that it was his own choice to go out everyday and buy the drugs and do the drugs. He told me that he thought about it everyday. He knew he had to stop, but didn't want to.

He chose, and only he chose ... The "addition" didn't choose.

Also, I was a police Lieutenant for 14 years. I've seen and arrested many addicts. I've worked with them, and also with their families.

90% of all the addicts told me that it was their choice. Their choice to try it, and their choice to continue. Most said that they tried to stop, but it was hard to. But also commented that if they really wanted to stop, they could have, either with help or by themselves.

I've been to meetings with people I have arrested, and with my cousin. I have to say, that I disagree with one major thing they teach in the class .... They make each one of the addicts in the class to fell like, or make them a victim of the drugs. WHAT??? A VICTIM??? Even the addicts told me that it was crazy statement.

Now I'm not saying ALL classes teach this way, but it seems to me that this is where it heading. These doctors and therapist these days just keep on making shit up as time goes by.

A little off subject here, but 15-20 years ago, did any of your classmates have A.D.D.? None of mine did, but now a days everyone is a "victim."

Personally, with my back disability, I can take Lortab everyday. My back usually hurts enough to do so, but I choose not to take them everyday. I only take them when I leave the house, on occasion, and when I'm having extreme pain. And to be honest, I don't mind the "buzz" it gives you. But I choose not to abuse the drug.

I also smoke. I've quit several times. And yes, it was hard to quit, but I did it cold turkey every-time. I went back to smoking cause I WANTED and CHOOSE to. I enjoy smoking, so I CHOOSE to continue.

Am I an addict? I say no, but some may say yes. But I know that I could quit at any given time. I just CHOOSE not to because I enjoy it. But it will come a time when I will not enjoy it anymore, and that's when I'd quit. And if, and I repeat if, I would have problems quitting, I would just turn it over to Jesus. Believe me, He would help!!!

I tell you the truth guys, if more people would find JESUS and accept him as their savior, there would be no more "victims."

No addict chooses to use the drug or be addicted. I totally disagree with you there and dont know what addicts you may have been talking to cause 9 out of 10 will tell you otherwise. Once you are addicted there is no choice at all. You need it survive until you learn the tools to avoid it, learn how to deal with life on lifes terms, learn to talk about your feelings and face problems at the moments in which they occur and only at that point to you really have a choice like I do today only after been clean for an extended period of time and applying the tools and knowledge in which I have gained and learned. But when one is in full blown active addiction they DO NOT HAVE A CHOICE! Choice for help yes, choice for an attempt at a better way of life yes, but choice to stay clean for that day without any knowledge of tools and how to deal with daily living, handling feelings and emotions without the use of drugs or alcohol at that point they DO NOT!