Monthly Column/Article for Ware River News
September 2015
No Fool For May
Before I talked to my Carson addictions therapist today, my whole chest felt hot. My family had come to
get me when I was released. I know it was good that they came to get me. I didn't mean to overdose.
There they were, not saying anything. My chest was hot from two different feelings I had, looking at my
family as they said nothing to me in that hospital room: I'm glad you came, was one feeling. The other
was: I spent so long trying to get all these people out of my life and here the overdose brought them
right back in the middle of it.
My Carson therapist says that it is not so unusual for someone like me, who is addicted to heroin, to
have powerful feelings and mixed relationships with my family. He said it can be different for me. I want
it to be different. I've always wanted it to be different.
I didn't mean to overdose. I feel that there might be something to look forward to now, to work for. I also
feel like everything is dying, changing. The old me drifted out to sea with this overdose. Now I need to
find a new me. I've always loved my little brother. I want to find a new way for myself, and for him, too.
New England mid-August does not entertain May's fools, drunk on lilac. The corn is high and the
morning carries a single pointing finger of Northern air reminding you to love your family and make a
big splash when you dive in the lake because every season keeps on coming.
I'm ready to learn how to swim, how to face all the seasons ahead.
By JAC Patrissi, member of Quaboag Hills Substance Use Task Force
This story is part of an ongoing series of monthly columns by the Quaboag Hills Community Coalition’s
Substance Use Task Force. We thank Ware River News for the opportunity to provide information and
local stories. We are grateful to the Carson Center staff for sharing this personal story about heroin
addiction. If you or a loved one needs help for substance abuse, call the statewide information line at
1-800-327-5050 (TTY: 1-800-439-2370); the phoneline is open Monday-Friday 8am-10pm and on
weekends from 9am-5pm. You can also visit the website:
www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/stop-addiction/
The Quaboag Hills Community Coalition Substance Use Task Force is comprised of a diverse group of
representatives from public safety, law enforcement, public schools, higher education, early childhood
programs, businesses, health care, clergy, treatment providers, town officials, civic leaders, youth
organizations, and families affected by addiction. With funding from Baystate Mary Lane Hospital, we
meet in Ware to support expanded substance use prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery
services in the 15 towns of the Quaboag Hills area; join us by going to our website,
www.qhcc.weebly.com