Guest Post: Jennifer Bell

The Night I Was Arrested

The drug K2 appealed to me last year because it was cheap and didn't show up in drug tests. On June 27, 2014 I was arrested for DUI. Luckily they didn't find the K2 in my truck.

In November of 2014 I was hospitalized for heart problems as well as lung problems.

Taking this DUI class and making me write an essay has opened my eyes to the dangers of smoking K2. Not only could it not control my anxiety, but I found myself withdrawing from my kids. I have lost a few friends from my K2, yet I didn't stop until November when I was hospitalized.

I am not taking K2 now, but I have side effects from the former K2 use: COPD, not sleeping, higher blood pressure and anxiety. It also made my PTSD worse.

I am changing through grounding and meditation. I have discovered that my family, my kids, my own mental and physical health are worth more than trying to get high.

Taking control and making myself responsible for my actions are the most liberating things. My teenagers and boyfriend have responded and they respect me more. It feels good to know I am free and working on my health.

Guest Post: Emmette T.

My life was never what it seemed. I look back at what my life became--a slave to addictions and all the excitement they brought.

Drugs can be used for good or bad. Knives help us in our daily life; however a knife can be deadly. 

So with alcohol. Alcohol can lower blood pressure, but in excess its use is a mood altering emotional roller coaster. I know. I have learned that I cannot have one drop of alcohol because I do not have the self-control to know when to stop.

In December of 2014 I gave my heart to the Lord and I am not saying that faith is the only answer to this problem of addiction, but Jesus is my answer and my choice to follow him is the catalyst to change my life forever. 

When Alcohol or Drugs Take Over

A young man in his twenties in my last class gave me permission to post what he wrote. I wish the best to this young man and thank him I could post. Here is most of what he wrote.

The Account of My Life-Changing DUI

Before this experience I had slowed down on drinking and ended my drug use. . . . I had no idea of the pain I could cause. I had no regard for others' feelings, at least those closest to me, nor how the world viewed me.

I now see how bad I had gotten, how far I had fallen doing things I swore I never would. I lived as if tomorrow was the end, like nothing mattered. I had many vices. I never felt addicted, but I also didn't see the problem I had. I remember the first time I turned down X and coke. I remember blocking numbers [of people who were my triggers].

Now, [he wrote],

I have hope.

I have inspiration.

I learn.

I question.

I wonder.

I dream.

I pray. . . .

There has been too much of my life wasted, spent on numbing myself to the beauty that the world holds--unknown but bright and new. . . . I'm happy to be becoming myself, finding the answers to my questions.

Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous help many who do not have this young man's resolve. Christians also have Biblical Counseling. Treatment and support groups do help. I am losing weight through Weight Watchers. I love this sign about losing weight:

Choose your hard indeed! Change is that--hard. Yet it will be very hard if you go to jail like a Largo, Florida driver who just last week got 44 years in prison for four DUI deaths. The paper reported that DUI driver said, "I'm just lost. I'm terribly lost."