Faces and Voices of Recovery
organizing the recovery community

Trainings and Events

June 7, 2008

Science of Addiction and Recovery training: Detroit, MI

Register today for this one day training where you will learn about the science of addiction and recovery and how to use that information in your community.

June 18, 2008

Joel Hernandez Voice of the Recovery Community Reception

View our list of sponsors here.

News

04.15.08

Rep. Patrick Kennedy says his personal struggles to recover from depression, alcoholism and substance abuse have made him a more compelling advocate in Congress…

Our Regions

Map of the United States

Get Active

Store

Recovery Resources

Our Stories

Share the power of long-term recovery. If you are in recovery, a family member, friend or ally of someone in recovery, we want to hear your recovery story!
Learn more...

 

Voice of the Recovery Community Award

Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) is the recipient of The Joel Hernandez Voice of the Recovery Community Award!
Learn more…
Register to Vote at Rock the Vote

Our Stories

Jeff Tuttle
Hendersonville, TN

I am an Entertainer (singer/songwriter/recording artist). In the mid 90’s I became addicted to Hydrocodone. 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.

I have had problems with addiction to other drug’s in my past such as cocaine, speed, etc., but nothing like I was experiencing with opiate addiction. Admitting that I had a problem and my life now out of my control, I was wanting 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 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 could get there "EVERYDAY" 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 not to mention the way I was treated (that's another story). 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 became just a memory.

In late 2004 I had heard about 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 (Buprenorphrine) 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 Buprenorphine Treatment. After going 3 days without methadone I was sick and wanted my methadone back. My first day on Buprenorphine 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, (was still not feeling well) but hung I in there. After that 2nd day on Suboxone, methadone never entered my mind, except remembering all the time I had lost in my five years methadone of treatment.

Within 2 months 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 months I had a recording contract and was now in song selection for my "New CD", "Livin’ Like A Millionaire (ain't got a dime)".

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 Buprenorphine (Suboxone) a household name and readily available to anyone needing it.

I am and will be forever grateful for Buprenorphine, “Thank You, you saved me and gave me back my life!”

Tell us your story!

Click here to sign up for the Faces & Voices online newsletter. Meet other powerful faces and voices; get regular updates of the recovery community’s advocacy across the country!

 

back to top