NORTH COUNTY CONNECTION OFFERS REFUGE FROM THE STORM

People Battling Addictions, From Drugs To Sex, Find Support

George Rowland's whirlwind of addiction began when he was just 7.

At an age when most kids are fascinated with toys, Rowland was preoccupied
with finding a way to get high.

He found that high in alcohol and eventually wound up a self-described
"homeless drunk." The disease destroyed Rowland's two marriages and
emotionally ravaged his children.

After 20 years of battling alcoholism and drug addictions, Rowland finally
decided to clean up.

"I was sick and tired of being sick and tired," said Rowland about his
decision to kick his habits. "I couldn't find any reason for being the way
I was."

But like most recovering addicts, he didn't shed his addictions alone.

He turned to the North County Connection, a nonprofit addiction recovery
center in Atascadero. Founded in 1989 through a partnership with the
county's Drug and Alcohol Services, the NCC serves as a clearinghouse of
information on a variety of addictions, ranging from alcohol and drugs to
sex and food.

The center is also home to eight 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics
Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

Sober for 10 years, Rowland now serves as the North County Connection's
chief executive officer. His personal battle with drug abuse has helped
Rowland to better serve the NCC's clientele, he said.

Between 200 and 250 people use the facility every month. Most attend
12-step program meetings, which are held several times a day, sometimes in
marathon fashion.

The NCC also has a small resource library of self-help books and tapes.

Bill Hallum, division manager with the county Drug and Alcohol Services,
said his agency refers clients to the NCC on a daily basis because it's the
primary community-based recovery center in the area.

"The North County Connection offers an environment for the recovery
community to band together and support each other," Hallum said. "If
there's no supportive link back into the community, the chances of overall
success are greatly reduced."

Hallum said recovering addicts tend to frequent grass-roots organizations
such as the NCC more than county-run programs because they feel more at
ease with their peers and like the anonymous atmosphere.

That's what initially drew Rowland to the North County Connection.

He began attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings there 10 years ago and
later became a volunteer. He still participates in a 12-step program and
said he'll never consider himself completely cured.

At the NCC, it makes no difference if a person has been sober or
addiction-free for a decade or a day.

The facility provides an encouraging, nurturing environment for all people
in recovery, said Michelle Brogdon, the center's volunteer coordinator.

"They can get help without being worried that they'll be judged or
prosecuted," she said about the people who frequent the center. They can
range from the homeless to bankers, nurses and housewives. "We're here to
support and educate them."

But an addict must first acknowledge that there's a problem, Rowland said.

"Some people never admit their addictions," Rowland said. "Denial is a
great tool."

But even after an addict has recognized his need to kick the habit, he must
always remember that overcoming an addiction is a lifelong process, one
that can only begin after a person recognizes the need for help, Rowland said.

And help is essential because an addict can't deal with his compulsion alone.

"We all realize we're sober today," Rowland said. "But tomorrow you could
be interviewing me at the courthouse because I got drunk and drove over
eight people."

[sidebar] Signs that may indicate you have a drinking problem

It's possible to drink too much once in a while and not have a drinking
problem. But you could be in trouble if you answer yes to any of the
following.

Do you:

- - drink four, five or more drinks in a row on a single occasion?

- - binge drink two or more times a month?

- - need to drink to have fun?

- - often have a drink when things get tough?

- - refuse to stop drinking when asking?

- - have a hangover two or three times a month?

Where you go to get help for a substance addiction:

- - Hotline of San Luis Obispo County: 549-8989 or (800)549-8989

- - San Luis Obispo County Health Agency, Drug and Alcohol Services: 781-4275
or 781-4753

- - North County Connection: 462-8600