A Flash player error has occured, please make sure you have the latest Adobe Flash Player. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tools

A look at meth addiction in Southwest Florida

By WINK News

LEE COUNTY, Fla. - Just how big of a problem has meth become in Lee County? Local addiction specialists say they are hearing from more recovering addicts that meth was one of their drugs of choice.

"Meth has been a rough drug for me," said recovering addict, Lisa.

Rough, for the past eight years. That's how long Lisa says she was addicted to the drug - on and off.

"It makes you feel dirty. You can't function right. You get really paranoid. It wasn't always that way, but it does eventually get that way," said the woman.

The 26-year-old says it was one of the first drugs she tried, while partying in college. The meth use turned from weekends to everyday at one point.

"It caused me to have to steal to support my habit. I went to jail, spent time in jail, family wants nothing to do with me while I'm using. I'm really a mess when I'm using," said Lisa.

The recovering addict is now getting help at Southwest Florida Addiction Services, where she's been clean for 30 days.

Clinicians here say they're hearing from patients that meth seems to be getting more available in our area.

"The three highest addictive substances that we're coming in contact with that's known right now is cocaine, meth - side by side - and nicotine," said SWFAS clinician, Phil West.

Lisa knows it won't be easy to beat her addiction, but she's glad she's made the first step.

"This addiction does take a lot of people to the grave, and I don't want to be one of them," said Lisa.

Lisa wanted to share her story because she says she doesn't want young people thinking meth is cool or glamorous. She said instead, it ruins lives.

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 10:50 PM Seattle wrote ...

Meth is terrible it can ruin your life in a short period of time . Nicotine probably kills more people it just takes longer. The fact that it takes so long to kill and nicotine leagle and socially accepted may be the reason . Nicotine is the drug of choice of Obama . It makes you wonder how an educated person could end up with an oral addiction. Why would anybody see them as a leader.

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 2:28 PM Stephanie wrote ...

I know how hard it is to quit Meth. I have been sober for over two years. You have to really focus and want to be sober in order to accomplish it. I had used Meth for over 5 years. My advice would be end any contact with anyone who does it and then change your entire life, try for a new job, move homes, do whatever you need to erase the memory of your using. Make your life new and end the familiar or there will always be something there to remind you. I did all those things and it worked.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

WINK News and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
More On Demand