To defend WAWA, Olivia herself said "On this subject.....YES, I'm extremely closed minded on this subject. " so no need flying off the handle saying that she isn't. It is sad when instead of sdult conversation this blog has lowered itself to calling people names like A-hole.

As for "So dont you tell me SMOKEY that drug dealers arent to blame for any of this, BECAUSE THEY ARE" I never said they did not hold some blame. Quit putting words in my mouth. To make them more responsible than the users themselves is a copout. When you were dealing drugs jewels was that your own decision or were you forced into it? You can't put the blame on the person supplying the drugs. Grown men and women make thier own decisions to use. To not hold them accountable is just silly. You can't live life blaming other people. (well I guess in tehachapi you can)

Jewels, congrats on being clean for so long and changing your life for the better for yourself, your family and your children.

I never called your mother close-minded.  I don't see Olivia's name anywhere in my blogs do you?  I thought this blog was about condemning somebody who hasn't even been proven guilty.  Many people shared the opinion that because this man was a known drug dealer he should be HUNG.  Well I don't share that opinion and because we have a justice system in this country your mother wasn't HUNG when she was dealing drugs and she has had the chance to turn her life around.  I would hope that EVERYONE would be given that chance and not just your mother.

No-one held a gun to your head did they? You became an addict of your own free will, you chose to do drugs, to sell drugs.................are you telling me you did not make those decisions? Be a big girl and take responsibility for what YOU chose. If you want to blame drugs for making you do it go for it, but no-one made you do a damn thing, you chose your path and travelled it. Quit blaming other people.

Characterizing addiction as a disease misappropriates language more properly used to describe conditions such as multiple sclerosis or schizophrenia—afflictions that are neither brought on by sufferers themselves nor modifiable by their desire to be well.

ooooh  well said stillimcold's and Jewels way to go. it works if you work it and to smokey and wawa you have got your point across. why keep it going. and i don't think that you are for real. you are just trying to get a reaction and when you get one you cry about it. move on.

WAWA, you were talking about "someone" being "close-minded" ... you were not referring to my mother? ... if not, you were referring to someone's parenting skills and that isn't right. I was defending my mom. Yes, she said she was close-minded towards drug dealers, not in general.

So if she were to raise me saying something like drug dealers aren't bad people ... blah, blah, blah ... would I have been a drug addict? I mean, essentially, that is what you are saying.

Yes, smokey ... I have lowered this discussion to name calling. A-hole was the only thing appropriate I could think of. But you, my dear, you are teaching us all how to be "adult". Thank you. We can only hope to be as mature as you one day.

SHOUT OUT TO MY DADDY BIG DOG!!!!!

If you notice I am prob one of the FEW people that have simply stated my opinion without being disrespectful, name calling etc...

You have different opinions than me and I don't feel the need to attack you. Why is it my different opinion yields nothing but attacks?

Believe me I do not blame others for my choices.  I take full responsibilites for my actions.  That is totally a part of my recovery.  I just hope your own children do not fall prey to any harmful addiction.  Alcohol/drugs is but a symptom.  I didnt have a drinking problem I had a thinking problem.  This disease is of the psychological kind.  If you dont understand it or ever been involved..dont bother commenting on something you know nothing about

I know alot more about it than you might think. I don't feel a need to justify myself or explain my past to you. It's great that you have made positive changes and take responsibility for decisions you made. That's a hard step to make and a change that doesn't happen instantly. It's a daily battle for many people.

This whole blog has gotten out of control. I simply said that you cannot blame drug dealers for the actions other people choose to make. You cannot take their responsibility away for their choices and the results that occur.  That is my opinion and nothing more. Life goes on. I don't know why everyone has their panties in a bunch.