PINEVILLE - How many times have we heard from a drug addict, “I can quit anytime I want to,” and then state, “I just don't want to”? That is just a way of not confronting the problem or just saying ‘I don't know how to quit,' ‘I've tried to quit' or a multitude of excuses.

It is a battle to quit drugs, and it can't be done alone. There is help available from Bell County Drug Court. Many people have been able to kick the habit and it takes the help of others that are in your shoes. The following are three short stories from former drug addicts.

My Life In Recovery

I am a recovering drug addict. I have been clean for a year now, thanks to the drug recovery support program and the support of my family. I feel I am getting my life back and I regret the time I wasted using drugs.

My life has more structure and I am more responsible for my actions. Making the right decisions and always knowing the right things to do is not easy for anyone.

I carry a full load of college classes two times a week. I refrain from people and places that remind me of the days when I was a drug user. I am a much happier person knowing that I am doing the right things now.

The Road To Recovery

Since I have been in recovery I have found a good job that I really like people that are willing to help me stay clean.

Since I have been clean, I have got my driver's license. I have started to buy my own home and got me a car.

I am starting to see what I can do for myself, and I'm really enjoying it. I started raising pit bulls, just to have something to do in my spare time.

Since I don't have kids I treat my dogs like kids. Since I've been clean, life has turned around for me, it is something I enjoy. I know when I wake up, in the morning, and not having to worry about drugs, relieves a lot of stress off me. I like being off drugs because I can finally see what I was missing. I never really knew how important life was until I got off drugs and I'm loving every second of it.

Life As A Recovering Addict

In the beginning I wanted Recovery, but did not know how to get there. I had to reach absolute bottom to start my way up to the top.

My life is getting better, one day at a time. Life as a recovering addict, by far, is easy. Everyday is just uplifting, going through life without the blur of drugs fogging my path.

I can raise my children sober, and remember activities and actually want to do things without the use of drugs and alcohol.

I know that I am an addict, that I am powerless over my addiction. But I do to have to drink or drug today.

Those who are truly serious about getting drug addiction out of their life need to call Veronica Marcum at Bell County Drug Court, at (606) 337-2284, fax at (606) 337-3351 or visit the office at 101 Park Avenue, Pineville, Kentucky.

C.J. Harte is a Correspondent for the Daily News. He can be reached via e-mail at charte@middlesborodailynews.com.