Meth Vigil: Recovering addict tells his story

"My life bottomed out at 35 years of age. I lost everything I had ever worked for," said Tony as he related his journey on methamphetamine to a hushed crowd during the second annual "Meth Is Death" Candlelight Vigil at the Bloomfield Baptist Church Monday evening.

Tony said he used meth for the first time when it was offered to him from a trusted friend.

"If not for that first time, I wouldn't be here today," Tony went on to say. "The first time I used it I was addicted."

Life was good for him at the beginning of his addiction, and he said he used meth only on occasion. He had worked at the same job for 15 years and had a wife and children.

However, the more he used the drug, the worse his family life became, and his marriage fell apart.

"Then I used meth to cope with the pain," Tony said. "I put everything on the back burner and used more and more."

Tony then became friendly with dealers, and it wasn't long until he had his own meth lab.

The first time he was arrested he was bonded out in four days and went right back to his drug habit.

"I wished I had been forced to stay in jail, and then maybe I could have started a recovery," noted Tony.

A couple of months later he was arrested again and was in jail for nine months. He then entered a rehab center and was given two years probation.

Tony began recovery and said he was shown who he was and what he had become. He also started to attend church.

"God gave me my way the first 35 years of my life," Tony explained. "Now He has given me a second chance. I think my family thinks more of me now than ever."

Greene County Sheriff Terry Pierce and Greene County Prosecutor Jarrod Holtsclaw, who were also on the program, said the first time they heard about meth was in 1993.

Pierce said after investigating a fire in eastern Greene County he and his fellow officers thought it was arson until they saw pictures of meth labs the evening of the fire. They then realized what they had just investigated was a meth fire.

From that time on, meth became an epidemic. Some (users) lost families, jobs and life savings, explained Pierce.

"Unless you have used meth, you don't know what they (users) are going through," Pierce said. "One man told me he had tried every drug, and when he got out of jail he would probably continue, but he said, 'I will never use meth again.' That goes to show you how bad that drug is. As I speak, I know people who are suffering from withdrawal."

Holtsclaw said in 2001 he knew that meth use had become an epidemic in Greene County.

"I also knew that bonds had to be elevated so those arrested could stay in jail longer and try to help themselves," Holtsclaw added.

During the last two years, there has been a reduction in meth use according to Holtsclaw. However, he said another drug, crystal, is coming into Greene County.

"We're trying to figure out who is bringing the drug into the community," Holtsclaw explained. "Prosecutors in neighboring counties and people in the federal level are working on it…and there is a task force in Greene County that is working on it."

Recently the Linton Police Dept. assisted in an arrest that made a huge impact on crystal coming into the county.

Also on the program of song, prayer and talks was Bloomfield High School's Center Stage. The Rev. Brent Meyer offered prayer.

Nancy Cummings, chairman of Greene County Against Meth, helped organized the vigil and read a proclamation stating information regarding meth and ways in which it is being fought.

"It is a blessing to see this many people here tonight," she added. "I appreciate your support."