No one should be without help: iLIVE

I was a tik addict. My parents sent me to rehab many times, and they had the money. All in all I cost them about R250000 and that was in 2003.

Since then I have needed regular therapy and psychiatric help, but I have not used tik in 6.5 years. Going to rehab did get me off drugs, but I have to add, it didn't keep me off drugs - working a recovery programme in my life worked.

I went to a 12 Step programme and worked it. THAT kept me clean. I also need to add that rehab is not necessary for getting clean. Going to 12 Step groups, I met tik, heroin, crack, coke and prescription addicts who didn't have the chance to go to rehab, but had enough desperation to go to these groups and get clean.

No one should be without help and they need not be - 12 Step groups save lives and are free.

Rosie Brooks