Health & Science

My Last Day As A Junkie

junk

Tools of the trade.


The salt of my tears burns where the incisions haven't healed. I just grit my teeth and drive faster, hurtling towards oblivion in a Volvo station wagon that still smells like my mom's rose perfume. '
By Citizen Correspondent Nicole guice
Date Posted: 08/12/08
Reader Rating: rating

My back hurts. This has been my first thought upon waking every morning for just over two years. At this point I dread sleep, knowing that, at some point, I'll have to wake up. I am a heroin addict.

Some days I simply roll over, grab my rig, and in almost no time I can be anywhere, from blissful to somewhat functional. I don't even have to reach anymore; I used to keep everything on a shelf above my head, but after that first week of slamming, I couldn't raise my arms high enough to get it. I've been keeping it closer and closer as the angle at which my arms can bend gets smaller. Today, however, is not one of those days.

Today is the day after Christmas, six days after surgery, and 36 hours clean. It is f*cking freezing. I'm covered in a thin sheen of cold sweat; I can't move - I don't want to move, not ever again. Still, every few minutes I toss and turn, stretching and twisting my wasted form in another vain attempt at comfort.

This is the third time in five days that I've tried to quit, and I'm trying desperately not to think about the weight of the spoon in my hands, the old familiar sting and the rush. The all-over warmth and the taste in the back of my throat...ice and amber.

I'm really, really trying, but that's the problem with junk; it's not a 'habit,' it's religion. I worship it. I can always count on Lady H to keep me warm and safe inside myself. So I call Jason, who (of course) doesn't answer, because eight o'clock is far too early for him to be conscious. Plus, I know he pinched some from the bag last night when he thought I wasn't looking and is probably feeling just fine right now, the bastard.

"Hey baby, it's me. I've got some money so I guess just call me when you get this...I love you.


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Comments

Re: My Last Day As A Junkie

By kimfujioka, October 17, 2008 at 03:32

Hang in there Nicole. Let us know how you are.
Kim

Re: My Last Day As A Junkie

By Nicole Guice, August 21, 2008 at 12:08

I'm doing well now...going on 8 months clean after that last harrowing day.

Re: My Last Day As A Junkie

By Paul Sullivan, August 27, 2008 at 08:32

Hi Nicole. That's great news. Keep us posted on your progress.

Paul Sullivan,
Editor-In-Chief

Re: My Last Day As A Junkie

By Paul Sullivan, August 21, 2008 at 10:40

So how are you doing, Nicole?

Paul Sullivan,
Editor-In-Chief

Re: My Last Day As A Junkie

By missnosipho, August 18, 2008 at 02:33

This story is beyond excellent. A friend of mine once told me that a writer only gets writer's block when they are not being honest...with themselves. I love narratives that are "emotionally naked" like this. It makes you feel it even if you have never experienced it.

But the truth is, at the end of the day, like my mother says, "We all are recovering from *something*". That's why I LOVE the line, "I'm really, really trying, but that's the problem with junk; it's not a 'habit', it's a religion. I worship it."

Love it!

Keep pushin' on. There are people out here rootin' for you.

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