95 Super Bowl Ring...any guesses who sold it?

[Draegerman]

Sure they are. But why did they START doing it in the first place? Do you think any of the one million terrible-*** things that happened to Clayton or the tons of other people have anything to do with it?

Because they have no idea what they're doing. And yes, an addict only needs one of the "one million terrible-*** things" to happen to him before he becomes powerless to his drug of choice.

Honestly, it doesn't matter what got you on the path that destroyed your life, everyone has a sad story. But right now, in the moment, the only thing that matters is how you plan to fix it.

I didn't really want to talk about this because it's too painful but I am an addict. I served my country proudly for 23 years in the US Army Special Forces (more commonly referred to as the "Green Berets"). I was a Master Sergeant on a team of some of the most professional soldiers you could ever want. I could honestly tell you that I loved those guys - they were my brothers.

My life was turned upside down on July 10, 2003. I was severely injured with no chance of getting my own life back once I healed.

Suddenly, everything became scrambled with no relief in sight. I became addicted to painkillers in the worst way imaginable. I shut my beautiful wife, my children, my friends...and everyone else out of my life. The only thing that mattered was taking those pills.

I fell down a deep and dark abyss and I had no clue what was happening. I was oblivious to this demon that haunted me. And even though I was taking mega doses of the drug to control the pain, it seemed like it was never enough.

Life was painful.

And I lost the will to live

My wife, this beautiful, sweet and very tall woman whom I met when we invaded her island in Grenada a long time ago, knew exactly what I needed. She provided me her own intervention based on how I reacted to a simple gesture that made me fall in love with her back in 1983. The intervention occurred after I passed out at the computer in the study from the painkillers.

She touched my hand and held it.

When I woke up, I saw her tearful eyes look deep into my soul. She said, "Boy, I need you better, because I can't do this on my own."

I didn't even need to ask what she meant, because the guilt was too overwhelming for me. I knew exactly what she was talking about, so I searched for help and found what I needed. I pm'ed Hostile to tell him I was going to be out for awhile and asked him to make my picks for me on a contest we were playing in October, 2009. Hos did like I asked and never questioned my purpose.

When I arrived at the treatment center, I kissed my wife goodbye and wiped the tears from eyes. I softly replied to her that even though she gently pushed me in the right direction, I was going to...no...I needed to do this for myself.

And 28 days later, I became (once again) the man she fell in love with again

 

[Hostile]

Because they have no idea what they're doing. And yes, an addict only needs one of the "one million terrible-*** things" to happen to him before he becomes powerless to his drug of choice.

Honestly, it doesn't matter what got you on the path that destroyed your life, everyone has a sad story. But right now, in the moment, the only thing that matters is how you plan to fix it.

I didn't really want to talk about this because it's too painful but I am an addict. I served my country proudly for 23 years in the US Army Special Forces (more commonly referred to as the "Green Berets"). I was a Master Sergeant on a team of some of the most professional soldiers you could ever want. I could honestly tell you that I loved those guys - they were my brothers.

My life was turned upside down on July 10, 2003. I was severely injured with no chance of getting my own life back once I healed.

Suddenly, everything became scrambled with no relief in sight. I became addicted to painkillers in the worst way imaginable. I shut my beautiful wife, my children, my friends...and everyone else out of my life. The only thing that mattered was taking those pills.

I fell down a deep and dark abyss and I had no clue what was happening. I was oblivious to this demon that haunted me. And even though I was taking mega doses of the drug to control the pain, it seemed like it was never enough.

Life was painful.

And I lost the will to live

My wife, this beautiful, sweet and very tall woman whom I met when we invaded her island in Grenada a long time ago, knew exactly what I needed. She provided me her own intervention based on how I reacted to a simple gesture that made me fall in love with her back in 1983. The intervention occurred after I passed out at the computer in the study from the painkillers.

She touched my hand and held it.

When I woke up, I saw her tearful eyes look deep into my soul. She said, "Boy, I need you better, because I can't do this on my own."

I didn't even need to ask what she meant, because the guilt was too overwhelming for me. I knew exactly what she was talking about, so I searched for help and found what I needed. I pm'ed Hostile to tell him I was going to be out for awhile and asked him to make my picks for me on a contest we were playing in October, 2009. Hos did like I asked and never questioned my purpose.

When I arrived at the treatment center, I kissed my wife goodbye and wiped the tears from eyes. I softly replied to her that even though she gently pushed me in the right direction, I was going to...no...I needed to do this for myself.

And 28 days later, I became (once again) the man she fell in love with again

Kudos to you for sharing it. I never would have told a soul as I promised you.

 

[Jack-Reacher]

Because they have no idea what they're doing. And yes, an addict only needs one of the "one million terrible-*** things" to happen to him before he becomes powerless to his drug of choice.

Honestly, it doesn't matter what got you on the path that destroyed your life, everyone has a sad story. But right now, in the moment, the only thing that matters is how you plan to fix it.

I didn't really want to talk about this because it's too painful but I am an addict. I served my country proudly for 23 years in the US Army Special Forces (more commonly referred to as the "Green Berets"). I was a Master Sergeant on a team of some of the most professional soldiers you could ever want. I could honestly tell you that I loved those guys - they were my brothers.

My life was turned upside down on July 10, 2003. I was severely injured with no chance of getting my own life back once I healed.

Suddenly, everything became scrambled with no relief in sight. I became addicted to painkillers in the worst way imaginable. I shut my beautiful wife, my children, my friends...and everyone else out of my life. The only thing that mattered was taking those pills.

I fell down a deep and dark abyss and I had no clue what was happening. I was oblivious to this demon that haunted me. And even though I was taking mega doses of the drug to control the pain, it seemed like it was never enough.

Life was painful.

And I lost the will to live

My wife, this beautiful, sweet and very tall woman whom I met when we invaded her island in Grenada a long time ago, knew exactly what I needed. She provided me her own intervention based on how I reacted to a simple gesture that made me fall in love with her back in 1983. The intervention occurred after I passed out at the computer in the study from the painkillers.

She touched my hand and held it.

When I woke up, I saw her tearful eyes look deep into my soul. She said, "Boy, I need you better, because I can't do this on my own."

I didn't even need to ask what she meant, because the guilt was too overwhelming for me. I knew exactly what she was talking about, so I searched for help and found what I needed. I pm'ed Hostile to tell him I was going to be out for awhile and asked him to make my picks for me on a contest we were playing in October, 2009. Hos did like I asked and never questioned my purpose.

When I arrived at the treatment center, I kissed my wife goodbye and wiped the tears from eyes. I softly replied to her that even though she gently pushed me in the right direction, I was going to...no...I needed to do this for myself.

And 28 days later, I became (once again) the man she fell in love with again

Although we never served together, I do in fact consider you my brother as well. I too had my own demons to battle through and I continue to battle today with PTSD that relates back to my combat. I really like the VA's new motto:

It takes the courage and strength of a warrior to ask for help.

So many people do not understand how difficult it is for a soldier to acknowledge, let alone admit that they have a problem. It was the love of a good woman who helped me through my problems as well. God bless our brothers who succumb to addiction as a coping method, and God bless these women who have the strength and determination to help us through these dark times. Thank you for sharing your story, I firmly believe that nobody can help a Veteran like a fellow Veteran. I know that relating that story was difficult for you, and I appreciate the pain and emotion that you overcame to share it. I salute you Warrior!

 

[gmoney112]

Because they have no idea what they're doing. And yes, an addict only needs one of the "one million terrible-*** things" to happen to him before he becomes powerless to his drug of choice.

Honestly, it doesn't matter what got you on the path that destroyed your life, everyone has a sad story. But right now, in the moment, the only thing that matters is how you plan to fix it.

I didn't really want to talk about this because it's too painful but I am an addict. I served my country proudly for 23 years in the US Army Special Forces (more commonly referred to as the "Green Berets"). I was a Master Sergeant on a team of some of the most professional soldiers you could ever want. I could honestly tell you that I loved those guys - they were my brothers.

My life was turned upside down on July 10, 2003. I was severely injured with no chance of getting my own life back once I healed.

Suddenly, everything became scrambled with no relief in sight. I became addicted to painkillers in the worst way imaginable. I shut my beautiful wife, my children, my friends...and everyone else out of my life. The only thing that mattered was taking those pills.

I fell down a deep and dark abyss and I had no clue what was happening. I was oblivious to this demon that haunted me. And even though I was taking mega doses of the drug to control the pain, it seemed like it was never enough.

Life was painful.

And I lost the will to live

My wife, this beautiful, sweet and very tall woman whom I met when we invaded her island in Grenada a long time ago, knew exactly what I needed. She provided me her own intervention based on how I reacted to a simple gesture that made me fall in love with her back in 1983. The intervention occurred after I passed out at the computer in the study from the painkillers.

She touched my hand and held it.

When I woke up, I saw her tearful eyes look deep into my soul. She said, "Boy, I need you better, because I can't do this on my own."

I didn't even need to ask what she meant, because the guilt was too overwhelming for me. I knew exactly what she was talking about, so I searched for help and found what I needed. I pm'ed Hostile to tell him I was going to be out for awhile and asked him to make my picks for me on a contest we were playing in October, 2009. Hos did like I asked and never questioned my purpose.

When I arrived at the treatment center, I kissed my wife goodbye and wiped the tears from eyes. I softly replied to her that even though she gently pushed me in the right direction, I was going to...no...I needed to do this for myself.

And 28 days later, I became (once again) the man she fell in love with again

Wow, that took some courage. Kudos to you sir.

I lost my father and my only brother to addiction. I will not tell the story here, but I know the pain addiction causes and how hard it must be for a man to admit they need help.

 

[CCBoy]

D-Man, you know my prayers have and will always be with you....last summer, I lost a friend in Brandenburg, Ky. A former Master Sergeant as well. He was shot on his own front porch by a drug driven son-in-law. Who proceeded to shot Gene's wife who tried to cover him, and then his daughter Tammy who was trying to cover her Mom. Wanda took six weeks in intensive care to come back out. Tammy had a bullet removed next to her heart and was out in a week. Gene....well, we gave him full military honors and burial in Washington.

The perpetrator....well, he shot himself at the scene and died almost immediately.


Just sharing some experience, D-Man. But I'm glad you are now on this side of the problem. My love to both you and your wife....friend.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

God Almighty...

That is one of the saddest stories I have ever read or heard of. I hope he finds his peace.

FWIW, I know someone who grew up with him, and I believe he is getting better. Wants to do motivational speaking to help kids from making the same mistakes.

 

[Draegerman]

Kudos to you for sharing it. I never would have told a soul as I promised you.

And that was precisely why I told you because I knew I could trust you.

Addiction is a long, painful journey to overcome and it can happen to anyone. One of the worst things about recovery is the time spent in detox. Hos, when I pm'ed you before leaving, I was already experiencing mild withdrawal symptons. When I arrived at the clinic, I told them how badly I was feeling and they explained to me that it was normal, describing to me that it would feel like having the flu for the next couple of days,

Boy, were they wrong about that.

Anyway, today is my 8th month in recovery and I'm now taking non-narcotic medication for my pain.


And I couldn't be happier.

 

[Draegerman]

Although we never served together, I do in fact consider you my brother as well. I too had my own demons to battle through and I continue to battle today with PTSD that relates back to my combat. I really like the VA's new motto:

It takes the courage and strength of a warrior to ask for help.

So many people do not understand how difficult it is for a soldier to acknowledge, let alone admit that they have a problem. It was the love of a good woman who helped me through my problems as well. God bless our brothers who succumb to addiction as a coping method, and God bless these women who have the strength and determination to help us through these dark times. Thank you for sharing your story, I firmly believe that nobody can help a Veteran like a fellow Veteran. I know that relating that story was difficult for you, and I appreciate the pain and emotion that you overcame to share it. I salute you Warrior!

Thanks for the sentiments, Ranger! And I salute you right back.

You really hit the nail squarely on the head, it is so difficult for a soldier (or any service member for that matter) to ask for that kind of help. And if you are a SPEC OPS guy, it gets even worse. Addiction is judged as a weakness, especially if you admit that you've lost control of your own life. That's like committing a Cardinal sin or something - you just don't do it. I considered myself very lucky to have been medically discharged before my admission to addiction because, quite frankly, it's a lot easier to admit it to civilians rather than your military cohorts. The shame can be overbearing, almost suffocating even.

Jack, I wish you only the best in your recovery and thank you for your service to our nation.

De Oppresso Liber!

 

[Draegerman]

D-Man, you know my prayers have and will always be with you....last summer, I lost a friend in Brandenburg, Ky. A former Master Sergeant as well. He was shot on his own front porch by a drug driven son-in-law. Who proceeded to shot Gene's wife who tried to cover him, and then his daughter Tammy who was trying to cover her Mom. Wanda took six weeks in intensive care to come back out. Tammy had a bullet removed next to her heart and was out in a week. Gene....well, we gave him full military honors and burial in Washington.

The perpetrator....well, he shot himself at the scene and died almost immediately.


Just sharing some experience, D-Man. But I'm glad you are now on this side of the problem. My love to both you and your wife....friend.

Thank you, CC. I should also mention that you became a trusted confidant like Hos, too, when I confessed my addiction to you privately. That was truly a tragic story to have happened to your friend, my thoughts and prayers are with his family. It's staggering to comprehend the effects that addiction can have on a person. In the late stages of it, you're willing to do almost anything to get your drug of choice. It's the only thing that matters to you and can lead to the tragedy in the story you shared.

 

[aquavita]

Life was painful.

Look man, I've got nothing bad to say to you or about your service to our country. Thank you.

The only point I was making was that someone like Clayton never stood a chance. I know we can all talk about making the right choices, but assuming a given person grew up in remotely normal circumstances, they would have the perspective to know what the right choices even are. Someone like Clayton...he never did and never stood a chance.

I do believe that we ourselves are ultimately responsible to do the right thing. But at the end of the day, you must look at the circumstances and decide if someone who was born and raised in his literally horrible situation can ever stand a chance to be normal.

 

[Hostile]

And that was precisely why I told you because I knew I could trust you.

Addiction is a long, painful journey to overcome and it can happen to anyone. One of the worst things about recovery is the time spent in detox. Hos, when I pm'ed you before leaving, I was already experiencing mild withdrawal symptons. When I arrived at the clinic, I told them how badly I was feeling and they explained to me that it was normal, describing to me that it would feel like having the flu for the next couple of days,

Boy, were they wrong about that.

Anyway, today is my 8th month in recovery and I'm now taking non-narcotic medication for my pain.


And I couldn't be happier.

Some day, when you feel up to it, I want to hear about Grenada, and how you ended up meeting your wife. That sounds like a great story.

I have never stopped praying since that day you asked.