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Options for Opiate Addiction The battle against drug dependence keeps advancing. Over the years methadone has been used in treatment for opiate addiction, but since 2000 two drugs have been used for out-patient treatment, and unlike methadone, which can only be dispensed by authorized treatment centers, patients can now get help from their own physician. Suboxone and Subutex have brought on change in treatment options. A Very Close Call During group discussions we have often talked about spiritual experiences. Everybody is different, so people have different ideas about what a spiritual experience even is, from perhaps sensing something is happening, to that overwhelming feeling that they are in a very special moment. We hear so many stories. But the one that “Sam” shared with us had everybody in the room leaning forward with amazement. The End Came All Too Soon I was saddened by the death of George Carlin. The tributes will come, as people of my generation remember his commentary on American life and culture. He was scheduled to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American humor later this year, and he will always be remembered for his “Seven Words You Can’t Say on Television” routine. So much of his comedy was edgy and stretched the limits of societal tolerance. He talked about the human condition and how people see the world and react to it. Get Sick To Feel Better Swirling within the seemingly endless spiral of alcoholism is a person out of control. “Darci” understands the helplessness of being caught in the grips of addiction and knows that without help she is not going to live much longer. She is tired of the spiral and appreciates the treatment center. She is beginning to gain back control. Addiction Is Like Drowning! The expressions on their faces reflect their experience of helplessness and fear, when people recall what it is like to come close to drowning. It’s difficult at best to try to imagine what near drowning is like for those of us who have not gone through that experience, but the frightening tales that are shared in our group discussion on spirituality and 12-Step bring a chilling illustration to our understanding of the first three steps. Drug Addiction Treatment The old joke goes something like this: “I keep hitting myself on the head with a hammer because it feels so good when I stop.” It’s a playground joke, but there is humor in it and there is humor in it because it contains an element of truth. I inflict damage to myself, trying to experience a moment of pleasure. Addiction is like hitting yourself in the head with a hammer.