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Calling drug addicts ‘creatures' is unacceptable I am writing in response to the most recent article written by Katie Sheehan, regarding her definition of "creatures" and how the "creatures" had no running water, etc.

As far as her definition of "creatures" I agree with Roxanna Reynolds' definition published in response to Sheehan's article that was published Sept. 30.

Regarding Sheehan's articles I have read, it is quite obvious that she needs to be better educated about drug addiction before giving such opinions.

Addiction is a serious problem, and has many negative effects not only on the addict but also on those around the addict.

Instead of calling addicts "creatures" and sit by and watch them and their children suffer, why don't you reach out and help and be part of the solution, not the problem, there are many different ways to help, I am sure you could figure one out.

So many people sit on their pedestals thinking they are so above those so-called creatures. Well, your pedestal was paid for by the "creatures" money, heart and souls.

Why don't you attack the bureaucrats, pharmaceutical companies and doctors that allow the drugs to reach the streets, while they are out on their yachts, and you in your nice heated home with running water, those creatures are the ones that supplied all of it for you.

I would really suggest that you go to an NA or AA meeting, to see that we are NOT "creatures", but people that are educated, unselfish, and loving beings as our God created us.

By the way, I have overcome an opiate addiction that was due to an on-the-job injury and I was prescribed oxycontin by my "good old rich Doctor", I have always paid taxes, and now I consider myself a productive citizen of society, I am being part of the solution not the problem.

Both I and my sister Roxanna have overcome addiction as well as many others, with the support of people that understand addiction and the power of God!

Cindy Wymer 1224 Farrell St.

Butte

Civil Dialogue:

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Reader Comments:

inoitall wrote on Nov 28, 2008 12:16 AM:

" I don't understand why everyone is sooo quick to judge other people anymore....??? What is it all about? Alot of those judgemental people probably have skeletons in theirs closets as well. I have a family member that has struggled with alcohol addiction for some time now...has been to treatment, and everyday is still a struggle, all I can do is be part of the support system and pray to God that my loved one takes that "one step at a time" approach. So hopefully those people that think they are above the rest of us never have the bottom fall out of their happy lives cuz they probably could'nt handle it. Just something to think about. "

just4u wrote on Nov 24, 2008 9:00 AM:

" For Alrightythen:

What do you know about Ms. Wymer? Licensed Counselor? Pillhead re: teenagers? You need some more information before you post "

formownopinion wrote on Nov 21, 2008 9:37 AM:

" It's good to see that (they) feel they've overcome the problems addiction can cause, and it's true that they may not wish to lose their children, destroy relationships, steal, or all the rest that undoubtedly comes along with addictions, but it's a difficult thing to break! It's also true that part of recovery is recognizing this and taking responsibiity for the actions, and accountability ~ "

holy wrote on Nov 17, 2008 10:41 AM:

" How was my pedestal paid for by the "creatures" money"? I and my husband go to work everyday and pay for my pedestal not an addict. How is a doctor or a pharmaceutical company responsble for someone who obtains meth? It is not legal for them to distribute it?

Cindy you make no sense.... "

babycarter26 wrote on Nov 17, 2008 10:16 AM:

" Yes, you are absolutely right, you cannot help someone who does not want to be helped. And...many addicts and alchoholics go unnoticed because they hide their addictions. But what you may or may not understand is this. Drugs and alcohol take over your mind, you think that you need them, you don't think you have a problem, you think that you have everything under control. Many people don't ever try to get help unless there is someone around them that understands the disease and is willing to put their life out on the line to get the loved ones the help that they deserve.

For those of you out there who judge people with addictions, I have one thing to say to you. Unless you are perfect you cannot judge. Some people in their lives have one drink and cannot stop. So before you go and think that these people want to live the way that they do, that they want to lose their kids, that they want to hurt themselves, take a walk in their shoes! "

kjshee wrote on Nov 17, 2008 9:05 AM:

" If Ms. Wymer had any knowledge of AA, she would know that taking responsibility for your own actions is part of the 12 steps. Another thing she would know is you cannot help someone who does not want to be helped, If she has gotten off drugs, good for her. I would be interested in knowing how anything I have was paid for by addicts. "

ROADWARRIOR wrote on Nov 17, 2008 8:52 AM:

" Thats a good one!!! Blame the Dr. You could have asked for NON-NARCOTIC medication, but you cant get HIGH off it!!! "

nkingsbury wrote on Nov 17, 2008 8:14 AM:

" I was thrilled to see the article on Cindy Ruffner. I volunteered for the first time serving food for the Special Olympics Basketball participants. The people organizing this and volunteering is overwhelming.

I was disappointed in the coverage this event received. The businesses that gave freely of food, money, etc. and the persons organizing this event gave all they had. There were over 800 athletics plus others who came with them and around 200 volunteers. The athletics were so special and polite. We could all learn a lesson from them. "

alrightythen wrote on Nov 17, 2008 6:57 AM:

" A 'creature' is a pillhead who preys on teenagers claiming to be a licensed counselor. "

alrightythen wrote on Nov 17, 2008 6:55 AM:

" So, how are you part of the solution? You forgot to mention the part about graduating from Tech and being a licensed counselor; or is that just what you tell troubled teenagers? "

you called someone an idiot, a racist, a dope, a moron, etc. Please, no name-calling or profanity (or veiled profanity -- #$%^&*).

you rambled, failed to stay on topic or exhibited troll-like behavior intended to hijack the discussion at hand.

YOU SHOUTED YOUR COMMENT IN ALL CAPS. This is hard to read and annoys readers.

you have issues with a business. Have a bad meal? Feel you were overcharged at the store? New car is a lemon? Contact the business directly with your customer service concerns.

you believe the newspaper's coverage is unfair. It would be better to write the editor at editor@mtstandard.com, or call Editor Gerry O'Brien at 496-5513 or Opinion Editor Roberta Stauffer at 496-5514. This is a forum for community discussion, not for media criticism. We'd rather address your concerns directly.

you included an e-mail address or phone number, pretended to be someone you aren't or offered a comment that makes no sense.

you accused someone of a crime or assigned guilt or punishment to someone suspected of a crime.

your comment is in really poor taste.
The Montana Standard reserves the right to remove comments considered inappropriate for the community forum.

Our readers speak

By The Montana Standard Staff - 11/17/2008

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