By Russ Jackson
Just like every other addict I believed I was bulletproof. For over 40 yrs it was drugs, virtually every day, with alcohol drifting in and out at various times. My 40 yr run ended in a single moment 3 yrs ago when I had a stroke. While I was in the ICU my neurologist said drugs were one of the biggest factors and if I continue I would, in essence, be playing Russian Roulette. So I am 1000 percent clean for over 3 yrs. In the blink of an eye my life was changed forever. I will live out my life in a wheelchair. But the most devastating thing is this: I’ve been playing guitar since 1972 and it’s what I love to do more than anything in the world. My stroke took that away from me. I lost all fine motor control of the left side of my body so I will never be able to play again, and I dwell on this every single day. I’m putting this out there for anyone that may see this who is dealing with ANY kind of substance addiction, GET HELP NOW! Believe me, you DO NOT WANT THIS SHIT TO HAPPEN TO YOU! My hope is that many people will get something from my story. But if it helps even ONE person, it was worth telling. Here’s a link to an article that I wish I had seen years ago because it might have convinced me seek help: Meth and Sudden Stroke
