Jeff Tuttle
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8/22/2007 7:23:48 PM
"The Disease of Addiction"
I am a person in long-term recovery from drug dependence opiates which means that I have not used drugs or alchohol in the last 7 years. I am also a entertainer singer, songwriter that has dedicated my life to try to remove the stigma associated with "the disease of addiction" and to show that people can and do recovery and can lead a positive and productive life and can be a contributing member of there community and society. I am one individual among millions who are successfully living as positive, contributing members in communities across the country.
There is a new "Miracle Pill" called Suboxone (buprenorphine) now available to us that has been proven successful in treating opiate dependency. It is the first medicine to be approved by the FDA to treat opiate dependency in over 20 years.
In the mid 90's I became addicted to Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Loritab). As time went by my addiction grew to the point that I was doing illegal things to feed my habit. I tried several ways to overcome and kick this addiction, while my life and my relationship with family and career was quickly going down the drain.
Admitting that I had a problem and my life now out of my control I wanted my life back and to be free of this addiction, so I turned to Methadone treatment. While I was in methadone treatment I felt like I was chained to a clinic (which I was) and although I wasn't doing illegal things to treat my Disease of Addiction to Opiates my life was like on hold. I was not doing anything for myself or my family or my career except existing. My life consisted of making sure I had the money to go to the clinic and that I could get there "EVERY DAY" during the 3 hours they were open! Taking a vacation or going out of town for the weekend was not possible because I was chained to the clinic.
My life was no longer "My Life" it was so controlled that I lived everyday for my trip the clinic and my career in the Music Industry was just a memory.
In late 2004 I had heard about Suboxone (Buprenorphine) through other patients at the methadone clinic. After hearing rumors through the clinic about this new found medicine I was ready for a change.
In Jan. 2005 I found a Doctor who had just started a Suboxone treatment program. I was the 2nd patient to join. I was so excited about this possible "New" treatment available, and the hope of maybe getting back control of my life and being free of Methadone or having to go to a Methadone clinic everyday sounded too good to be true!
January 2005 I started the Suboxone (Buprenorphine) Treatment. After going 3 days without methadone I was sick and wanted my methadone back.
My first day on Suboxone, (Buprenorphine) I felt some relief but I was still sick and wanting my methadone back. On the second day before I took my second dose of Buprenorphine I had convinced myself I needed to stay on methadone (I was still not feeling well) but I hung in there. After that 3rd day on Suboxone, methadone never entered my mind, except remembering all the time I had lost while in methadone treatment (5 years).
Within 2 month's of being free of methadone and now taking this "miracle pill", Suboxone I was back to my old self and pursuing my music career like never before, my family life was back like before and within 2 month's I had a recording contract and was now in song selection for my "New CD", "Livin' Like A Millionaire (ain't got a dime" with Grammy Award Winning Producer, Larry Butler (Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, to name just a few).
After finishing what was to be a 10 song CD and reflecting on how my life had changed in such a short time for me (thanks to Buprenorphine) I went back in the studio and recorded a song, "First Hand" and I have committed 100% of this song to drug rehabilitation programs.
I would like to see Suboxone (Buprenorphine) a household name and readily available to anyone needing it.
I am and will be forever grateful for Suboxone (Bup
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8/23/2007 12:24:23 AM
Interesting, it's about time they come out with something like this. I have an artist friend who has struggled with various cures for years, lately though he seems to be coming back to normalcy, I am glad.
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Tony Vani and Debbie Hoskin
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8/23/2007 8:40:08 AM
Jeff, thank you for sharing your amazing story. I love it when people are able to turn the Bullshit into Fertilizer, do great things as a result of rising from painful places. Imagine all of the people you have helped. I think you need to give more credit to yourself and your strong will to blast through it all. I'm looking forward to hearing your music. deb
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