DRUG ABUSE QUITLINE Quitlines Gets New Management
Reported by: Darrah Wilcox
Web Producer: Darrah Wilcox
Reported: Jan. 5, 2012 4:49 PM EST
Updated: Jan. 5, 2012 6:16 PM EST
Eyewitness News Photo
Huntington
, Cabell County
, West Virginia
Recovering addict Andrew Lucas says, "For the past 17 years, I've been an animal, you know, really. I've hurt, lied, cheated, and steal, and it's something I don't want to do anymore."
Lucas is just one of an estimated 152,000 adults in WV who are part of the prescription drug abuse epidemic. But, so many are working to turn those lives around. First Choice Services hopes to be part of the solution. They've run the Gamblers Anonymous hotline for a dozen years, and have just taken over the WV Prescription Drug Abuse hotline, using their extensive network of mental help specialists to help. CEO Steve Burton says, "They call the helpline, and the clinician who's answering the phone will actually make the referral for them."
They'll get assistance-usually within 24 hours- from places like the Prestera's pinecrest facility, which can help addicts on many different levels. Prestera Director of Development Kim Miller says, "As people come seeking help, we want to be there for them. The prescription drug hotline will help get us connected to people faster."
The helpline will also follow through with the patients, making sure they're moving forward with treatment.
Lucas says he's been clean for 35 days.
"I'm just tired of running. I want to be human. I want to live."
He encourages others to make that first step. "Everyone's different, but I do feel if I can do it, anyone can do it."
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Darrah Wilcox
