ADDICTION IS EVERYWHERE BUT IT CAN BE BEATEN

Editor's Note:
As a contribution to the community's struggle with drug addiction, The
Times Review is pleased to introduce a column by recovering addict
Jessie Williams who offers advice and support to others struggling
with addiction.'

I would like to start my column off by thanking you all very much for
the warm reception I have received from everyone here in Revelstoke. I
have found you to be a concerned and dedicated community with a desire
to work together, which has made writing this column so much easier.
As we all have to stand as representatives for our community it is our
job to maintain its strength.

I have been traveling around Canada and the U.S. for over 15 years
entertaining all different walks of life. From performing in major
casinos to singing and recording in Nashville there isn't too much I
haven't seen or heard.

It seems like eons since I had my last taste of cocaine. That time
cannot be far enough away from me. Cocaine, much like crystal meth,
has no age barriers. It pays no heed to race, genre or class of
society. It is a killer and has no mercy.

Cocaine consumed my life, and it was killing me. It was destroying
everything around me, and hurting the people that I loved. I was very
blessed. I had a lot of people around me who loved me and were truly
concerned about my well-being. And I wanted to quit. I knew then that
my only choice was either life or death. I chose to live and free my
life of drugs.

Unfortunately, there are too many of us who feel alone and as though
there is no way out. You might feel you have no where to turn for help
but I am here to tell you there is help and there is hope. There is
life after drugs. You can have a good life, and you can do this. It
isn't an easy road, however you can do it!

I decided that through my experience as a recovering cocaine user I
would implement those tools and the expertise of Revelstoke's own
Bertha Stone (Drug and Alcohol Counselor) to help others in the
community beat drugs and alcohol.

No matter how small or large a community addiction is everywhere. It
is eating our society like a vicious cancer. Whether you are a user or
are someone who is affected by a user this is a place where we can
communicate and shed some light on an all too dark and lonely place.

Right now there is a growing concern about crystal meth in our
community. I urge you to write in or email me with your story or your
concerns and together we will continue the fight against addiction! It
is your choice if you would like to remain anonymous when writing in.

'Till next time... I am Jess, here to help you help yourself or help
someone else.