Home Message Boards

Topic : 11/27 The Dr. Phil House: Heroin Twins, The Intervention, Part 2

Number of Replies: 275
New Messages This Week: 0
Last Reply On:
Created on : Tuesday, November 21, 2006, 02:16:54 pm
Author : DrPhilBoard1
Dr. Phil continues his work with twin sisters who are addicted to heroin and spiraling out of control. The Dr. Phil House has become the detox center for Sarah, who is monitored medically as she goes through painful withdrawal symptoms from her addiction to crack cocaine and heroin. Her sister, Tecoa, has only been clean for two weeks, and struggles to deal with her own drug cravings while six months pregnant and providing support for her detoxing sibling. Is she able to fight off the cravings or does she give in? And, is Tecoa sabotaging Dr. Phil’s efforts to get Sarah clean? While her daughters deal with their addictions, Cindy tries to learn the fine line between supporting and enabling. Dr. Phil meets with the entire family and shows the twins a look into their future, depending on the decisions they make now. Is it enough to scare them straight? Share your thoughts here.

Please note: The on-the-street footage in this series was filmed by a concerned outside party and sent to the Dr. Phil show.  Upon receipt of this compelling video, the Dr. Phil show began immediate efforts to plan and arrange necessary interventions and inspire these young adults to get out of harm’s way.

Find out what happened on the show.

More November 2006 Show Boards.


 
rlv126baby
User Mood
Happy

Message Emote
blank
November 27, 2006, 4:11 pm PST

this is crazy....

I am a recovering heroin addict and have been clean for many years. I am shocked at the ignorance being displayed on today's show. I got clean as a result of help from the 12 step programs which have been invaluable in my recovery.

 

The first days of my detox were traumatic because I really had no idea how to live without drugs, much like the woman in the show. I have hit many bottoms before I decided to get clean and sober. IT WAS A DECISION  THAT I NEEDED TO MAKE FOR MYSELF!!  ONLY WHEN I WAS IN ENOUGH PAIN TO TRULY ASK FOR HELP,  WAS I READY TO GET RECOVERY!!! 

 

Until that time I could be prayed over, beaten, threatened (much like Dr. Phil did), followed around, shamed etc,.... - but until I was ready to make that decision; I was under the power of the illness and there was nobody that would convince me otherwise.

 

As far as expecting someone with 2 days clean and sober to 'get up and start doing things productive....' that is absolutely ludicrous! Most addicts in recovery who do their recovery one day at a time and work to stay clean - and it is work, will tell you that they did not start thinking clearly until they had been clean and sober (and I mean off everything, btw) for some time - usually years.  I was the type of addict that these twins are, typically referred to as the 'hopeless variety', homeless, criminal activity, lost, etc. For the first couple of years I had a hard enough time dealing with using dreams and an emotional rollercoaster that slowly but surely got better with abstinence and support. I just had to have enough faith not to pick up drugs again. Fortunately, when I had my cravings in early recovery I learned to pick up the phone and call a clean and sober friend in my support group rather than a drug dealer. It is the best choice I have ever made in my life.  

 

I have learned how to live and enjoy life without the use of drugs as I know hundreds of other people who have.

 

Some do not make it - but many do. My message to the twins is simple - WE AS ADDICTS CAN AND DO RECOVER! That tired old lie "once an addict always an addict" is being proven wrong everyday in the lives of many who have faced life without drugs and have recovered.

 

Just for today - I have done it; so can the both of you!

 

God bless you both and good luck.

 
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
sooziemac
User Mood
Cranky

Message Emote
embarrassed
November 27, 2006, 4:15 pm PST

Exactly!!!

Quote From: son_of_ares

 They are treating heroin addiction the same as a crack addiction and there is a world of difference.  As a doctor they should realoze her body has become dependent on the opiates.  It's not that she doesn't want to do this and get clean......but right now it's not feasible for her to do much more than survive.  She's in a safe place.  She has food and shelter.  They need to be happy with that and not try to change her whole life in two or three days.  This girl is going through something that can be compared to having all the blood drained out of your body.  Her body is being deprived the opiates it has been receiving for an extended period of time.  These doctors need to quit pushing and giving ultimatums and threats.  What she needs is understanding, empathy, love.  After the withdrawls will be the time for "teaching" and her making the commitments to start a new life. 

Don't give up on her yet!

I'm afraid if they pressure her, she'll run back to her comfort zone...The streets.

I can't believe I mis-spelled "Heroin" in my message title!
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
romijoni
User Mood
Happy

Message Emote
blank
November 27, 2006, 4:18 pm PST

This person is absolutely right.

Quote From: monrosy

 I AGREE THIS WIthrawl process is awful, I have gone through withdrawl from cocaine 25 years ago  clean and opiates a few years ago and this doctor made my skin crawl. I felt angry and stressed as though I were going through it, this guy is going to drive her crazy, you do not pick someone crazy when going through the sickness, try waiting a few days these guys would make me want to leave and DO drugs. You cannot BULLY someone clean DOCTOR PHIL. she is helping herself she is there. I am a counsellor who has helped many teens do this and your off base. If she fails it will be your pushing to hard this physcholigist is way out there..and annoying
 Thank you for saying it. I watched, stunned with disbelief that they treated her in suh a way. These are supposed to be professionals. You can't tough love your way out of withdrawls. Your response was right. I can only hope someone listens to you.
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
tgriffie
User Mood
Lazy

Message Emote
quiet
November 27, 2006, 4:18 pm PST

pushing to hard

I hope Dr. phil is not pushing to hard. I understand he has to get  through any way he can. But I am afraid Sara is not going to respond well to Dr, phil. I will pray for her and Tacoa. But from watching today it does not seem to me Sara is ready to get straight.
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
fallenstars82
User Mood
Scared

Message Emote
blank
November 27, 2006, 4:20 pm PST

Wishing them the best.

I find myself completely glued to the TV watching the Twins story.  I think it is amazingly wonderful that Dr Phil isnt giving up on these two.  I wish them the best and hope to see them in full recovery by the end of their intervention.  My only worry now really is for Tecoas' unborn child.  Is she receiving regular prenatal care?
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
sooziemac
User Mood
Cranky

Message Emote
blank
November 27, 2006, 4:24 pm PST

It IS NOT easy!

Quote From: rturner136

I have been watching the series regarding these two twins.  I am a receovering addict and now have over 10 years clean.  I am sorry at this point from what I have seen Sarah is not ready to do the work it take to take her life back and start the road to recovery.  Recovery is NOT laying up in bed and feeling sorry for yourself, it is getting up, admitting the problem and tackling it head on and doing whatever it takes to beat the addiction.  I am not saying it is easy - it's not, but noone can do it for you and feeling sorry for yourself won't get it.  It is painful, both physically and mentally.  You have to deal with thoughts and feelings you haven't dealt with from the past, from the life of addiction and from what the detoxing and rehabilitation creates, but in the end it is well worth it. I still make the choice every day not to get high, I wake up sometimes from nightmares of using, but I have set my mind that I will never go back to that life and I continue to make the right choices every day.  When the time has come, hopefully she will do the same before it is too late.  It is possible to recovering from any type of drug use, but you have to be willing to do the work it takes.

My hand is there to help if there is anything I can do for her.

I'm willing to bet there was a little self pity in your withdrawal...And if you dealt with all the fear & thoughts & feelings & shame in the first 24 hours of your painful withdrawal with out any self-pity... my kudoes to you, you must be super-human. I deal with those feelings daily, still & I am self aware & non sanctimonious enough to admit it.

Withdrawal from heroin hurts! It takes time, not a day or two, but weeks... Let her work out her self pity before you go judging her.
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
hornerjc

Message Emote
confused
November 27, 2006, 4:29 pm PST

Withdrawal

After watching the Dr. Phil House show today, I was not sure exactly what you wanted out of Sarah.  The first week of withdrawal would be all physical, before you get any mental help.  After going through a prescribed morphine withdrawal myself recently, I was amazed that your doctor was trying to get Sarah to get up out of bed and talk.  I was in no shape to get up and talk, and wonder how you could expect it of Sarah, when she was on a lot of drugs.  It just didn't make sense to me.  Maybe I just didn't know the time line on the show, but I felt sorry for Sarah.
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
susanivana
User Mood
Happy

Message Emote
hopeful
November 27, 2006, 4:29 pm PST

I have been there, and feel Dr. phil is right on track

 I remember all the years I spent first just snorting cocaine, then shooting it, overdosing and never touching a needle again, only to go to crack cocaine. That was almost 5 years ago, by
Gods grace and a mother who prayed my whole 25 years of drinking and 20 years of cocaine abuse.  Dr. Phil , there were alot of people who came to the jails and prisons to love us through, I am so glad you are doiing that for these two young ladies, by showing them that you are not giving up it will mean so much later.  I know that for a fact, thinking back on how many times my family didn't give up even though i was 1,200 miles away.  all the times the C.O.s in the jails would not give up on me no matter how many times they saw me come in and out of there.  You are right on track Dr. Phil, God Bless You and yours.
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
tblack23tn
User Mood
Stressed

Message Emote
hopeful
November 27, 2006, 4:31 pm PST

wow

I have two daughters that are a year and a half and one is 6 months and after watching these episodes I told my husband that I am going to show this to them every year for the next eighteen years!!!  This documentary would have so much effect on highschool aged students.  The fact it shows real life addiction and the after-math of what the addiction does to your body.  I really hope and pray that Sara gets the full support she needs right now from her mother and sister!!! I totally agree with Dr. Phil that if she doesn't stop and stop now, her family will be burying her in a short time.  But you could see in her eyes how hurt she was when he played  back the video to her showing her how she looked on the drugs.  Horrible.
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
romijoni
User Mood
Happy

Message Emote
sad
November 27, 2006, 4:44 pm PST

Oh No

Quote From: hayleyr

     I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO RESPOND TO YOUR MESSAGE FOR A WHILE, NOW HERE I AM FINNALY; I AM28 AND I HAVE BEEN ON METHADONE FOR ALMOST 10 YEARS. I USED HEROIN FOR 3 MONTHS(AT 17 ) AND THE DOCTOR PUT ME ON BECAUSE MY BOYFREIND WAS ON IT. AFTER MOVING CITIES MY NEW DOCTORS REALIZED THIS HORRIBLE MISTAKE AND TRIED TO HELP ERASE IT, BY THIS TIME I HAS ACHEIVED A REAL ADDICTION FAR GREATER THAT HEROIN AND WAS ABOUT TO BE PREGNANT.  WHEN BECOMING PREGNANT THEY SAID THAT DETOX WOULD CAUSE MISSCARAGE AND JUST KEPT ME REGULATED AND CARED FOR. IT WAS HUMILIATING. I HADNT TOUCHED DRUGS IN 4 YEARS AND FELT LIKE ABAD MOTHER. MY DAGHTER WAS BORN HEALTHY AND I BEGAN TO CME DOWN. SUDDENLY MY MOTABLOISM ESCALATED AND I BECAME SO PHYSICALLY DEPENDENT.  EVEN WITHOUT LOWERING MY DOSE I WAS IN WITHDRAWL. MY LIFE WAS FOCCUSED ON BEING THE BEST MOM IGNORING MY PAIN AND NO ENERGY.  OVER THE YEARS I TRIED SO MANY OPTIONS TO HELP SLOWLY WITHDRAWING WHILE FOCUSSING ON MY LIFE AND FAMILY.  LITTLE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS AND I JUST REMAINED A WOMAN FIGHTING TO BE A GREAT MOM WITH NO CHANGE AND LITTLE MEMORY OF FEELING GOOD(NOT HIGH BUT WELL).  HERE I AM NOW WITH EVERYTHING AND I STILL FEEL DESPERATE AND TERRRIFIED OF COLD TURKEY DTOX(10 YEARS OF METH IS FAR WORSE THAN HEROIN) I WANT MY LIFE ENERGY AND YOUTH BACK BEFORE MY YOUTH IS GONE.  I AGREE THAT SARA WAS NOT THAT BADLY IN WITHDRAWL YET, WILL THEY UNDRSTAND THE PAIN WHEN SHE GETS THERE. SHE IS ONE SERIUS DRUG ADDICT. AND THE CRACK HABBIT IS HEAVY ENOUGH ALONE,  IAM SUPRISED TO SEE HER SPEAK . I KNOW A LITTLE ABOUT THAT STUFF TOO. AND I HAVE QUITE A BIT OF DOUBT IN HER SURVIVAL. WATCHING HERE ON DRUGS, I WOULD HAVE CATOGORIZED HER AS UN HELPABLE.  ALSO DOES ANYONE KOW ABOUT METHADONE WITHDRAWL(RAPID DETOXIFICATION OR ANY OTHER MTHODS?
 I was mistakenly put on methadone and after a few months I simply walked away from it. Not knowing the hell I would live through going through the withdrawls. I have heard herion addicts say that methadone was a hundred times harder then herion to get off. I know of a 3 day medically induced coma that the Dr's can put you in to get you over the hump of withdrawl. After 10 years of use, I don't know that this would be enough. Good luck and keep searching for a way.
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
Post a Message

First | Prev | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | Next | Last