HELP FOR ADDICTS NOW ON AIRWAVES

Just For Today

When it was announced that WMEN-AM 760 was switching formats -- from
contemporary Christian and gospel to ``conservative'' talk radio -- I
scratched it off my mental list of stations that interest me.

Mostly, that's because the conservative point of view conflicts with mine.
But after reading the announcement that the station -- now known as WETR-AM
760-- was adding the program ``Steppin' Out'' to its lineup, I'm planning to
tune in.

WETR is operated by Orlando-based Foothills Broadcasting (owned by Moffit
Media) and is part of the same conglomerate of stations that includes
WYLV-FM Love 89. The weekday lineup includes former Reagan and Bush (Sr.)
cabinet member Bill Bennett, the Mike Gallagher Show, The Dennis Prager Show
and more.

``Steppin' Out'' is a nationally syndicated 12-Step radio program that
supports those who are dealing with addictions as well as those who care
about them. The idea is based on the concept of the 12 Steps of recovery,
used in many programs designed to help those with various addictions --
food, drugs, sex, alcohol and gambling, just to name a few. The show is
aired on WETR-AM 760 from 3 to 5 p.m. every Sunday.

It was conceived by Denise McIntee, the show's producer, after she attended
several Alcoholics Anonymous meetings as part of a college course. The
program is considered ``reality'' radio because of the personal stories of
those dealing with addiction or those in recovery. It's designed to be
inspirational and encouraging to those who suffer from addiction as well as
loved ones affected by it.

And, as in the rooms of recovery, the guests remain anonymous.

The program is a product of Powerful Radio Productions Inc., and the
company's Web site -- www.powerfulradio.com -- touts the program as
entertaining, socially responsible and compelling for people of all ages.

``There's nothing as powerful as real life,'' the Web site states.
``Everyone knows someone struggling to overcome an obsession with sex,
drugs, alcohol, food or gambling. `Steppin' Out' brings insight and support
to addicts and those who care about them. These stories are not only for
them, but also for those who want to know what it is like to cross over the
edge.

``Carrie Fisher, Ben Affleck, Darryl Strawberry, Elton John, Robert Downey
Jr. and many other well known people publicly struggle with addiction and
recovery. The topic is timely, and the audience is hungry to hear the
stories and share in the experiences.''

Here at The Daily Times, we've known for a year now -- since this column
debuted -- just how much addiction affects those in the community. It's an
illness that's rarely discussed and seldom acknowledged, but the outpouring
of support for my words -- which, really, are just echoes of those with whom
I walk the road of recovery -- has been overwhelming.

Even more important to me are the calls for help I get from other addicts,
those still in the grips of addiction. Once again, I don't profess to be a
counselor, psychiatrist, doctor or recovery ``guru'' of any sort. I'm just a
guy who's managed to find something that works -- not just for me, but for
millions of others.

Call me up, and I'll tell you what I did. I'll probably say some things you
might not like, but that's OK -- recovery is for those who want it, not for
those who need it. If it was for everyone who needed it, we wouldn't be able
to fit everyone with a substance abuse problem into Neyland Stadium.

I will tell you about the 12 Steps of recovery, and give you directions to a
meeting. I'll keep writing about recovery, and I'll keep going to meetings
myself, working with others and talking with my sponsor.

Because I don't have this thing licked, and I'm not cured. I need every
resource I can to maintain my recovery -- and I'm grateful to WETR-AM 760
for having the courage to air ``Steppin' Out.'' Because it's one more way to
learn everything I can and stay clean another day.