[Lazamataz]

If you think this thread would be a good idea, say so. You don't have to be a recovering addict to think it's a good idea, too.

[SamAdams76]

It might sound petty compared to the addiction you were saddled with but up until April of this year, I was addicted to sugar and carbs. I'd eat half a blueberry pie as a snack. And then eat the other half before going to bed. I'd pour a pound of peanuts into a bowl and not stop eating them until they were gone. Ditto for tortilla chips or chocolate covered raisins. I'd eat two plates of spaghetti with a half loaf of bread at one sitting. I'd buy a dozen bagels and eat half of them on the way home. I'd consume a "six-pack" of Pop-Tarts as a snack - total carbs = 220 grams. Yeah, I was a "carb addict" alright. Maybe not as devastating as a coke or painkiller habit but long-term, I was on my way to full-blown diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and an early death. Got to the point where I couldn't even climb a set of stairs without huffing and puffing. Pathetic. Now I walk 10 miles a day and fly up and down the stairs like a little kid.

On other threads, I try to help other Freepers in similar situations. Carb addiction can be beat as well!

I know so many people that are addicted to something. Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, food, you name it and somebody out there is addicted (or was) addicted to it.

Good luck on your continued success in beating that drug habit.

[EggsAckley]

Laz, judging by some of the dumb responses to this idea, I'd think twice about it, were I you. I'm afraid revealing those "addictions" would just give some posters fodder with which to flame people. I personally would not post personal stuff like that, which could be turned against me. Imagine if there was an "I had an abortion" thread. Any woman who admitted that would be attacked forever on the forum. JMHO

[LibWhacker]

Congratulations on kicking a very destructive habit, Laz, and continued success to you. You're one of the best we have here at FR.

[chicagolady]

I thought there was personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and Free Republic?

[Ditter]

I am sure it would be a good idea, for those who are fighting addictions. But the only thing I have ever been addicted to is Free Republic & I don't want to be cured. FR is too much fun! BTW, I am very proud of you for kicking the cocaine thing. You are a good boy!

[bethelgrad]

I think this is a good idea. A problem we (me) conservatives have sometimes is that we can be too prideful to get help when we legitimately need it.

[goodnesswins]

I think your idea has merit....and congratulations on your strength in kicking YOUR habit.

My one question (so far) is a what if.....what if some person joins the thread and talks about their CURRENT addiction.....the ONLY way you will be able to help them (likely) is through the thread....what if they're threatening suicide? or some such thing (I know this could be far fetched, but you're getting the gist of my concern, aren't you?) I suppose it could happen on ANY thread, but I'm wondering if it's a concern to think about in a non-face-to-face situation when dealing with addictions?

On the other had....lots of family/friends might get a lot of help from a thread such as you've suggested.

[Vigilantcitizen]

"I myself admitted that I am a recovering cocaine addict with almost one year of sobriety (Thank G-d and Narcotics Anonymous for that)."

Did the "Scarface nose dive on the table" thing from 87-89, been clean since. I thank G_d, and an Atlanta City police officer named Gil Fernandez.

After arresting me for a bench warrant for unpaid traffic fines and listening to my story, he made some arrangements to get me out of jail.

I've been clean since.

In 1994, I walked out on the front porch of my just purchased 90 year old farm house to get my AJC. Inside was an article about Atlanta police officer named Officer Gil Fernandez and the wreck that killed him near the I-285 exit on Bolton road.

I wrote his precinct a letter telling them how Officer Fernandez, through his going out of his way to help someone down, helped turn that person's life around.

To be completely honest, and it really surprises me thinking back to how much coke I did before I quit, I haven't had the first thought of doing coke. Not once.

Oh and Laz, thanks for posting this. I think it's a good idea. Frank and honest discussion of any subject is a good thing.

[dennisw]

We have a lot of drug legalization threads here where I contend that we will have more addicts if we make drugs legal, thus cheaper and more readily available. Do you think you would have a harder time dumping your cocaine habit if cocaine were legal?

[Right_in_Virginia]

Godspeed friend...and well done!

[stylin19a]

no

[exit82]

Laz, I think this idea has merit. Some of the nicest people I've met were members of FreeRepublic. I think the goodwill and generosity that is routinely shown on this site could be channeled to help those who have been in someone else's shoes.

Let's try it and give it a fair shot. I think the benefits will outweigh any negatives.

I didn't know the depth of what you were dealing with. You are to be commended for overcoming a devastating, and many times, lethal addiction. Perhaps part of the reason that G-d has given you this victory is that you will encourage others to beat addiction by your example.

As I have told you before, I will gladly say again, with even more reason to:

Laz, you're a good man.

[GeekDejure]

Sheeesh . . . 12 Steps??? . I could handle 1 Step (it's called 'Curb Hopping'), but 12 Steps is just wishful thinking for wheelchair geeks like me!!!

But if you had a companion 'Elevator Thread' . . . ;-))

.

[dhfnc]

Good Idea

Good luck with it!

[cookcounty]

Will this help those of us hopelessly addicted to FR?

[SauronOfMordor]

I thought you were proposing a 12-step program for people addicted to FR. I need one.

[MinuteGal]

Your offer, while commendable, sucks.

We've had enough "cathartic" and "true confession" threads lately on this forum. I don't come here for the agony stuff and Dr. Dino advice.

Plus, a regular thread like you propose would open us up to all kinds of charges that we're riddled with a bunch of druggos. Read Jim's purpose for starting Free Republic.

While I commend any one who's kicked a bad habit, there's a million other places that folks can go to for help.

Perhaps by freepmail you could help any freepers who are battling their own demons and may want to benefit from your personal experience and advice.

Leni

[ndafill]

This is not the the place for crying, which is what I think this type of thread would turn into.
I too have been there. Why go back. I see something like this as a negative, especially tied to Rush. Let him work it out. Some of us have.

[El Whino]

Laz,

Congrats on your program...count me in on your thread.

[Methos]

I am with you Laz.I am going to AA and know how hard it can be to put the plug in the jug.3 months clean and sober.By the grace of God!