RECOVERY NEEDS ADDICT TO STOP BLAMING OTHERS

I, too, am a recovering meth addict and can appreciate the fact that
meth is a tough addiction to overcome. However, that's where my
similarities with Sandra Bergen end.

I accept full responsibility for my addiction. I chose to do meth and
one wrong choice led me on a path of destruction.

Bergen blames her drug dealer for a choice she made. She willingly
drove to his house to get the drugs and she chose to smoke them. He
did not force them on her. She has not taken any responsibility and
claims she's a "victim."

I also have done a lot of public speaking on the dangers of crystal
meth. I have spoken to more than 60,000 people in Saskatchewan and
visited close to 100 communities. I start by saying, "I take full
responsibility for everything that has happened to me." I do not
blame outside influences such as drug dealers and other addicts.

Bergen is travelling to schools to tell her story. I think the
message she is sending is damaging and just plain wrong if she
refuses to take responsibility for her addiction.

After hearing me speak, people think; "Crystal meth is a dangerous
drug. She lost everything, but has taken responsibility and cleaned
up her life."

After hearing Bergen, youth would come away thinking that it is OK to
do drugs because, if you get addicted, all you have to do is sue your
drug dealer. I wouldn't want my child listening to her.

She claims to be a recovering addict. Any recovering addict should
know that the first step to recovery is to admit you have a problem,
not to blame it on someone else.

Lori Heggstrom

Saskatoon