Relapse, Recovery, and Loneliness...
By Jimmy Palmieri
P is a
tweaker. A crystal meth abuser. He had been hustling, dealing, lying, and
stealing. From anyone, to anyone. After a bad psychotic episode, he
started a recovery program. He had been sober from all drugs and alcohol
since September 30, 2003.
It needs to be said that not only is he a real person, he is in fact one
of my best friends. He was whisked away by his dad during this
particularly bad psychotic state brought on by crystal meth use, and put
in a rehab, far from West Hollywood. West Hollywood was the city that
showed him friends, popularity, and the ability to 'fit in'.
Sadly, West Hollywood is also where he became acquainted with Miss Tina as
he called it. Crystal meth.
 He had been doing very well in his program of recovery. He was working a
12 step program, attending meetings and attending sober activities. He was
dealing with new status as an HIV positive person, who not only had to
deal with recovery and brain damage because of crystal, but also had to
deal with HIV meds, a new home, and making a new life. His mom took him
out of rehab early, because she felt bad he had been diagnosed with HIV.
She pays the rent for him in an apartment he shares with another addict
who was in recovery for a while also.
He was enrolled in school for something artistic. He is a smart guy, wise
beyond his 23 years, and at the same time as gullible as a twelve year
old.
I hadn't heard from him in a few weeks. I was not so concerned, because
since his move from West Hollywood that has become our habit.
The other night he instant messaged me while I was on line.
The dreaded words. "I've relapsed".
What was I to say? I asked if he was currently sober and he said, "Yes for
ten days. I lost my year and a half sobriety."
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