self-proclaimed junkie

[RussellMusic]

My names Russell. Im 18 and a film student at NYFA. I am a self-proclaimed junkie. For the past year i have been fighting myself within the battle of heroin. I havent had a sober day since i started college, its a shock to me that im still here. When i was 17 i got into crack and from there it went to my most recent demond which i havent been able to kick since. My friends refur to me as 'the junkie' and yet i accept it. The only reason i think im posting here is because i have one stupid question for anyone who can answer...
-Is there a way to tell if your arm could be infected from a needle?
i feel like an idiot for asking this question, but im freaking out about it...
40%of me really does want to give all of this up...

[gettinfree]

Dear Russell,

The only answer I can give you is to see a Dr.

In your state of addiction, the last idea you'll have is to do something healthy for yourself.

I know, I've been there.

Doing what your doing to your body can kill you instantly.

If you found an NA meeting, maybe on campus or close to it, you'll find people who have been exactly where you are right now, and help you learn how to not live like your living.

Poke around these forums, ask some questions...We're here for YOU.

Good Luck My Friend...Mike

[zoomie]

I know nothing about infections from needles,but I do hope you will go see a doctor. You only have one life to live and your so young! I hope you get help before the junk kills you.

[shrubbery]

15 years ago my wife (who had been in recovery) committed suicide on March 12, 1994 one month after a positive test for something she got as an inadvertant needle stick. She was carrying garbage out from a homeless shelter to the dumpter. Things are much different today in many places, but junkies still are throwing stuff away in unacceptable ways ... especially their lives.

Linda had a brother who died 11 months later of AIDS so she knew what she might be facing, but it was only a few months later that "cocktails" for life started to work in 85% of cases. No matter how your get your body stuck ... my own experience has 25 years of injection in it along with 15 years of recovery ... the best way to stick your body is in a chair in a twelve step recovery room.

Finally I live in small city in PA called Pittsburgh ... and there we have county health centers where you can drop in for free, get the pamphlets, get free testing for lots of things, get free prescriptions and supplies too (condoms/dental dams/rid etc) And at the back of the clinic on certain days (about 3 times a week as I remember) there is a needle exchange program.

Peace

[Chewi]

Welcome! Yes, get to a doctor. Does your school have a health clinic? If not, there must be one in your area. Ask a friend to take you if you need to.

Try an NA meeting. You will find friends and support there.

Life is sooo much better without the drugs!!!! God bless!!!!

[annalittlebit]

:195::195:

[thereishope]

Hello russell,
Welcome to CRF!!!
Its nice to meet you. So very glad you are here with us and please keep on coming back.
This is a wonderful place for support and friends and we need you too.
You said your 40% sure you want help. Well that 40% of got on the site and you opened up and reached out for help and i am so pround of you for that. You do need to see a dr.
As you can see there is no judgement here from anyone and we truly care about you and pray that you go to the dr and get to a meeting. You will find alot of compassion & flat out truth but in a good way and having the face 2 face support is wonderful and we need the support of each other.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing ok.