Letter: ‘I never wanted to become an addict’

December 5, 2023

As we enter into the holiday season, we see many addicts who wish to wait until after the holidays to seek treatment. They would like to spend time with their families and avoid missing yet another holiday. But what happens in most cases is they use more to get away from the harsh reality of their life that confronts them.

They think there is no way out of the stresses of life and no way out of their addiction. The next thing they know, these anxieties push them to keep using, which could ultimately lead to an overdose and/or death. The realization that you must prioritize your needs over your wants is the most difficult aspect of entering rehab.

I never wanted to become an addict when I was younger. Having a family and becoming an electrician were my goals. I got lost somewhere on that road. One pill turned into many, which turned into an endless amount, and I had no idea how to deal with my problems. One of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make in my life was to go to rehab, but it was ultimately the best one. Who knows where I could’ve ended up if I had put it off.

Narconon can help you take steps to overcome addiction in your family. Call today for free screenings or referrals: 800-431-1754.

Matthew Goodson, Narconon

Denham Springs, Louisiana

Picture of Bert Etling

Bert Etling

Bert Etling is the executive editor of Ashland.news. Email him at [email protected].

Related Posts...

Letter: Maintaining privacy in the Trump administration

David Hoffman: As a citizen, I find myself shocked by the news that the Trump administration has on its agenda the opening of IRS and SSA files which will allow the unrestrictive seizure and distribution of private information like tax returns, Social Security numbers, and addresses.

Read More »

Our Sponsors

Rogue Gallery and Art Center Medford Oregon
Conscious Design Build Ashland Oregon

Latest posts

Study, city staff say Ashland water rates have to go up

The cost of a new water treatment plant project combined with the length of time since its last water rate increase force the city’s hand, Public Works Director Scott Fleury told the Ashland City Council during its Tuesday business meeting: rates must be increased. A rate study says a customer with a ¾-inch meter using 700 cubic feet would see an increase of about $7 a month next year and $8 in the following year, moving up to around $11 per month five years out.

Read More >

The Holly Theatre reopening: Revisiting the 1930s

Slated for demolition in the 1990s with its doors closed in 1986, the Holly Theatre in Medford reopened last Thursday, March 13, with opening ceremonies and a live performance by the Piano Guys to a full house. The revitalization of downtown Medford through the Holly, helped by all the volunteers, donors and people of Ashland’s Jefferson Public Radio, took more than 13 years and $13 million. 

Read More >

Our Sponsors

Pronto Printing Ashland Medford Southern Oregon
City of Ashland Public Notice Ashland Oregon
Ashland Parks and Recreation Ashland Oregon
Ashland.news House Ad

Explore More...

Members of Ashland City Council debated Monday during its study session meeting how to make the need to meet new state requirements an opportunity for improving the city’s housing stock. The city is required to be in compliance with the state’s Climate Friendly Areas rules by June 30.
Slated for demolition in the 1990s with its doors closed in 1986, the Holly Theatre in Medford reopened last Thursday, March 13, with opening ceremonies and a live performance by the Piano Guys to a full house. The revitalization of downtown Medford through the Holly, helped by all the volunteers, donors and people of Ashland’s Jefferson Public Radio, took more than 13 years and $13 million. 
When Rebecca Goldman first attended a Southern Oregon Repertory Singers concert, it was because she had a friend in the choir. Not long after that, she assumed a leadership role for the organization as interim executive director. Taking over for Jessica Bailey, who resigned to take on another project, Goldman is excited about her new job.
A crowdfunding effort to fund a spring play at Ashland Middle School has raised more than $1,000 — 20% of its $5,000 goal — to ensure that the show will go on, but there is still $4,000 to raise by the end of the week if fundraisers are to meet their goal. The play's GoFundMe page had collected $1,050 as of mid-day Wednesday, March 19. 
"Spotlight on Kenny Loggins With Jim Messina," now playing at the Camelot Theatre in Talent, is an invigorating evening of their celebrated, extraordinarily fine pop-folk tunes. More often than not those tunes are energetically recreated in the spirit of the '70s and sometimes off the charts.
ashland.news logo

Subscribe to the newsletter and get local news sent directly to your inbox.

(It’s free)

Don't Miss Our Top Stories

Get our newsletter delivered to your inbox three times a week.
It’s FREE and you can cancel anytime.