War on Meth Part 2: Road to Recovery
Her quick smile and sparkling eyes offer no hint of a life once dependent on crystal meth.
“I don’t believe I would be alive today if I was still using.” Said Rachel Hamric, a recovered 6-year meth user. At 18 years old, Hamric had already been in and out of jail and Detox four times.
“The longer you do it, the more addicted you get to it, and the fun stops somewhere along the way, and you realize you have a problem and you feel like you’ll never be able to stop.”
As much as she craved the high she got from meth, it’s the crash afterwards that Hamric remembers most. “I remember feeling guilty, like my body had been through so much physically; you almost have to keep doing more to push your body to keep going, because your body is so sped up, your body crashes.”
It was one of those “crashes” that finally convinced Hamric she was over the edge.
“I was crossing over the Hathaway bridge and all the drugs hit me at one time, and I felt like I was going to pass out, I got really dizzy and I knew I was in trouble, I knew what was about to happen, so I started to press on the gas, and I knew I had to get home, and just thinking I got to get home, that’s the last thing I remember, they said the cops found me underneath the red light on Thomas drive, and um when they found me, I was almost dead.”
Hamric was in a coma for six hours. When she finally came to—she was all alone. She had overdosed. Since her family was used to her leaving for days at a time, she laid their helpless and hopeless in a local hospital.
“I almost died and nobody even knew and would anyone even really care? Because of when I had done in my life, it was like I had no purpose.”
Hamric went back to jail and Detox for a fifth time, she said it gave her time to think about what she was throwing away…her children, her family…her health.
“I wanted my son back, I wanted my life back,” said Hamric. “It was when I started going to church in jail, and I began to walk his way and not mine, because the way I walked was leading me down a path of destruction.”
At 29 years old–Hamric is living proof there is life after meth. She credits God with deliverance.
“For the first time in my life, I have a purpose……my favorite place to be in the world is teaching at the jail. Because I was there, I can feel their pain, and I want them to know they don’t have to live like that, because when you’re in it, you really feel hopeless, because you’re helpless, the drugs, the lifestyle you’ve created.”
Sober for five years now–her faith freed her from the bondage of crystal meth.
“I want to thank ya’ll for coming to the most excellent way tonight. Especially for those who are here for the first time.”
She’s found a new home as a mentor at the most excellent way, a faith-based support group for women battling addiction.
“Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for Great is your reward to Heaven and the statement that goes along wth that is: I stand firm in my faith that Jesus is in control of all things.”
She hopes to reach the torn and hopeless with her living message.
“Telling my story keeps me sober because it reminds me of what God has done in my life so far,” said Hamric. “You’re not alone, there are other people that have walked through what you’ve walked through and it’s possible to get victory.”
If you or anyone you may know of that needs help–please call before its too late.
War on Meth Part 1: Effects of Crystal Meth
Like most illegal drugs, using methamphetamine is like a game of Russian roulette. “I was 15 years old and I didn’t want my mom to know I was using, so I would invite a couple of friends over to stay the night, and we would chop it up and snort it in my bedroom,” said Rachel Hamric, a recovered meth User.
Crank–ice–speed–or more notoriously known as Crystal Meth, is a highly addictive drug that can be made from everyday house hold products.
Cecilia Mackie, the Deputy Director of Nurses at C.A.R.E., in Panama City stated, “It’s absolutely addicting, once you do it, you can’t stop”
“After a few years of doing this,” said Hamric. “It got to the point that I never wanted to come down. I just wanted to stay high.”
Hamric spent nearly six years on a euphoric high. “The feeling that it gave me, it sped me up more so, but really I felt um, I felt almost like I would open up more, like I could come out of my shell, like I could be someone else. And that’s who I wanted to be”
The high Hamric referred to comes from the release of dopamine or adrenaline in the brain.
“Dopamine is a neurotransmitter; it exists in the reward area of the brain,” said Neurologist, Dr. Mutaz Tabbaa MD. “Dopamine is secreted when your happy, or when you have pleasure.”
This is a normal brain–this is a brain on meth. For doctor Tabbaa–it’s what you *cannot* see about the meth addict that’s most alarming. “If you look at the surface of the brain, the distance between the bone matter and then those grooves in the surface, you see there’s not much space between the bone and the brain,” said Dr. Tabbaa MD.
Over time–meth literally shrinks and erodes the brain. “If you weigh a normal brain and the brain of a chronic drug abuser, you’re going to see that your brain lost certain weight.”
Although studies show these tissues can regenerate over time, the process can take years, and the repair may never be complete. “You can have permanent brain damage and your brain can never be the same.” chronic use can lead to psychotic behavior–some users have claimed to feel insects crawling beneath their skin.
“They pick their skin, they have soars on their face, on their legs, women will pick at their face and cover it with makeup,” said Mackie.
In addition–when a person smokes meth, these substances are heated, vaporized and swirled throughout the user’s mouth. And the end result–meth mouth.
“This is the classic meth mouth problem…as you can see the roots are in tact and the portions of the teeth are completely destroyed. Meth causes you to have lots of cravings for sugar, also causes a lot of problems with people grinding and clenching their teeth and ends up breaking off the teeth. Dr. Melzer has treated countless patients at the st. Andrews clinic for this very problem. “Basically the end treatment is you loose all your teeth and you do it quickly,” said Melzer.
Whether it is smoked, snorted or injected, the outcome is the same. Overtime meth mercilessly ravages the brain and body. “If I was still using today, I wouldn’t be alive,” said Hamric. “I was like 100 pounds, I had OD’d and there were so many times I would just pass out, and people couldn’t wake me up.
Housekeeper Puts Mr. Clean to Shame
Whether you are staying in a hotel, motel or condo, it’s nice to know someone cares enough to make sure your accommodations are clean, but that is not an easy job. In tonight’s segment of Nicole Wants to Know we follow one woman on her quest for cleanliness.
When it comes to sleeping in a hotel bed for the night–the first thing that comes to mind before I tuck myself in is, “Is this comforter clean?” Well, I caught up with one woman who makes sure you’re room and comforter are so fresh and so clean.
“My name is Peggy Sue Oliver, I am the owner of Southern Hospitality. I clean condo’s, commercial properties and private homes. It’s all different types of homes from double wide mobile homes, modular homes, to a seven-bedroom, seven-bath house. We just go in, we clean bathrooms, we clean the kitchen, living room, the whole house.”
Oliver’s quest for cleanliness began when she was just 16 years old. She credits ADHD, also known as, Attention Deficit Hyper Disorder, for her drive for perfection. “I used to work in a medical office and it was really hard for me to stay put…I left the 9-5 and began working for myself.”
“In the summertime it gets kind of crazy because there is 16 or 22 weeks that I don’t have a day off,” said Oliver. “I have a magic eraser for the kitchen, one for the bathroom, and I use one for the floors.”
“I always make it look very welcoming for the guest to come in. We take everything away from the walls in the room, we clean the walls, the baseboards, the furniture, all the way behind it, underneath it, make sure there is no cobwebs, dust, we take the beds apart and wash all of the bedding; mattress pads, comforters, pillow protectors. We wash everything that we can, and then we come back in and put it back together, and it’s like having a brand new unit”
“Southern Hospitality is what I believe in, I believe in honesty and integrity and if I’m going to clean your house, I’m going to clean it and I’m going to give it my all.”
“When I step back and before I walk out the door and it sparkles, I know that the people walking in are going to be like…she did a great job..”
If you would like to learn more about Southern Hospitality and Oliver’s cleaning services, you can reach her at: 850-685-9946 or you can email her at: sthrnhospitality@msn.com.
Boys and Girls Club Go Green to Save Green
Saving money is something we are all trying to do these days, and a local staple in our community found out it is rewarding in more ways than one. For more than 30 years kids across the county have made the Boys and Girls Club a home away from home.
“This building does between 250 and 350 kids a day,” said Paul Mosca, “So we have a lot of kids coming in and out of here all day.”
Which means it takes a lot of energy to keep this 10,000 square foot facility cool. “We wanted to be as green as we could be and as responsible as we could be, we knew we had a lot of issues here and we decided to go to Gulf Power for some help.’ “One of the services we offer is Energy audits for residential, commercial and industrial,” said Patrick Ryan, of Gulf Power. “In partnering with them, we needed to make recommendations that would fit the budget they had to work with, but they maximized their dollar and their capitalizing on savings.”
Mosca took Ryan’s’ advice and made some changes. “The energy efficient stuff really started with our front door, it leaked a lot of air, we replaced the front door, got a more energy efficient door, replaced all the windows in the building which were terribly lacking, the caulking and so forth, we had a lot of issues in our gymnasium, and we also replaced the lighting with energy efficient lighting that was pleasing because it not only saves us more energy, but it gave us more light.”
A year later and a cheaper power bill, Mosca says he’s reaping the rewards of going green. “They are doing very well and saving 20 percent in energy consumption,” said Ryan. “Boys and Girls Club is capitalizing on about $400-500 in savings a month.”
“Definitely surprised, very happy with what we saved, I knew I would save significantly because we had some real issues, especially after they came in and did the audit it was evident there were a lot more things wrong then I even imagined and the savings has been phenomenal.”
A nice chunk of change well spent that Ryan says will continue paying itself back over the years. A few more helpful energy saving tips from Gulf Power for homeowners, and business owners are as followed:
-Replace HVAC with high efficient heat pump. Consider geothermal technology
-Change HVAC filters monthly
-Retrofit lighting with high efficient, high output T8 fixtures
-Install motion sensors on light switches
-Replace bulbs in EXIT lights with compact fluorescent bulbs or LED fixtures
-Install blinds or shading on exterior windows
-Install insulation and caulking
-Replace older equipment (refrigerators, motors, electronics) with new energy efficient models
-Turn off computers when they are not in use
Captain Ron Spriggs Fish Fry a Success
Saturday was a day about community support, and NewsChannel 7 was there to show you how locals came together for the Captain Ron Spriggs Fish Fry at the Blue Top Waffle Shop.
First it was the Breast Cancer Awareness walk, and now we’re here at the Blue Top Waffle Shop and it’s all about Captain Ron. Isn’t that right folks? (crown cheering) It’s all about food, fellowship, and community support.
At four o’clock people began walking through the door of the Blue Top Waffle Shop for two things: to eat fresh Amberjack, Grouper, Snapper, French fries, and homemade Hushpuppies; but more importantly, to show support for Captain Ron Spriggs. And joining me is my main man, Master hushpuppy chef and personal friend of Captain Ron, Philip Scarborough. You know Philip, I think I’ve had four, maybe five of these hushpuppies. Tell me, what’s your secret? “You know there really is no secret, they are made with cornmeal, and it’s really how you cook them. You can’t undercook them because they will be too mushy, you have to cook them just right.”
Philip, tell me how the turnout was today, and tell me a little more about Captain Ron. “Captain Ron Spriggs is a dear friend of mine,
he’s, you could say part of the family, and he currently has inoperable brain tumors and we’re just trying to raise money for his family to pay for medical bills.”
Captain Ron is a Scuba Instructor and a Boat Captain; he’s made a huge impact on the community here in the Panhandle. He needs your help more than ever.
For those of you who were unable to make it to the Fish Fry, you can always stop by the Blue Top Waffle Shop and drop off a donation to benefit the Captain Ron Spriggs Foundation. Next month is National Brain Tumor awareness month; stay tuned for more events in the community to help out Captain Ron.
Take a Ride of a Lifetime in a Panhandle Helicopter Tour
Most people go to work every day and answer phones or work on computers, but that’s not the case for J.R. Hott…
“We are the only helicopter touring company that has a helipad on the gulf coast..”
Day in and day out Hott gives tourists and locals alike the ride of a lifetime. On any given day riders get the chance to see Florida’s beautiful habitat from above.
“Oh look, you see right there… I believe that’s a mama dolphin and her calf…”
Hott says just past the second sand bar is where all the action takes place. “Generally this time of year we see a lot of marine life, we see sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, devil rays, sting rays..”
Nicole: “Oh my is that a shark over there?”
Hott: “Uhh hmmm, yep yep it looks like there are about two or three sharks over there..”
While the sunset tour and shell island tour are the most popular–Hott says it’s a priceless experience that leaves a lasting impression. “The smiles on their face,” said Hott. “Especially when someone has never been off the ground before.”
Merlin Sesco and his wife have been vacationing in Panama City Beach for over a decade, and Thursday they took a ride with Hott. “It’s just beautiful; we got to see all of the marine life, the sharks, and dolphins, I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, but there’s a reason why they call this place the Emerald Coast…”
Panhandle Helicopter Tours is located off of Front Beach Road and Adam Powell Road. For more information you can visit:Panhandle Helicopter Tours or call: 850-230-2080.
Real Tex-Mex Sizzlin’ on Seacrest Beach
Watch Video: http://www.wjhg.com/nicolewantstoknow/headlines/63170942.html
The thing about Steve Carpenter’s comida, Spanish for food, is the flavor. As the Head Chef for not one but two restaurants, Carpenter proves you don’t have to be from Mexico to cook a delicious Mexican meal.
“My dad was a border patrolman; we lived on the Mexican border for a long time,” said Carpenter. And that is where his love for food began. “I have a lot of experience with jalapeños,” said Carpenter. “When I was a kid, I ate jalapeños like other kids ate candy.”
Making a career in the kitchen, Carpenter brings his Midwest and Southeast flavor to the Panhandle. When you walk through the doors of La Cocina the sound of sizzling enchiladas and the smell of freshly braised brisket tacos take center stage.
He says the key to flavor is fresh ingredients. From the Shrimp Diablo to the Arroz Con Pollo, what you see is what you get—traditional Tex-Mex with a coastal twist.
La Cocina and George’s at Alys Beach are owned by George and Ann Hartley. La Cocina is located in Seacrest right off of beautiful Scenic 30A. For directions and contact information, visit: http://lacocina30a.com/
‘George’s at Alys Beach.’ is also located on 30A at: 30 Castle Harbour Dr. For more information call: 850-641-0017.
Holler At a Hometown Hero: David Eye
David Eye is a Panama City local, and a U.S. Navy Seaman who happens to be a hero.
He has dedicated 17 years of his life to the U.S. Navy. David is a 1st Class Petty Officer, currently stationed at Camp Al Asad, Iraq. Although currently enlisted in the Reserves, Eye has been called for duty to Iraq twice in two years.
Both David and his wife Sara have been married for nearly two decades; together, they share three children: 18-year-old Kayla, 14-year-old Charlotte, 12-year-old Chandler, they adopted their 3-year-old niece, Rosa.
“David is a very family oriented man and for him to dedicate himself and his life to his military career means a lot, even when faced with leaving his family for months…sometimes years at a time,” said Sara. While Sara describes her husband as, passionate, dedicated, honorable, kindhearted, and professional; the kids call their dad a true hero.
“My Dad is a hero because he gave his family and friends up to go over seas to serve his country that he loves,” said daddy’s youngest, Chandler.
Sara says she admires David’s passion for his family, his country and his career.
“Like every soldier deployed, David misses birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, births,” said Sara. “Being a father of four beautiful daughters there is a lot of firsts he has only been able to experience, by telling him over the phone or email.”
His tenure in the U.S. Navy has allowed him to sail the world. Eye has experienced more than a handful of major deployments in his time. In 1991 the call of duty required David to serve in Desert Storm. In 2006, he was deployed to Kuwait, since then, he’s made three, six-month cruises out to sea which took him and his men to Europe.
Eye recently was awarded his third Navy and Marine Achievement Medal. The medal is awarded to only those whose professional and/or leadership achievements are clearly of a superlative nature.
The month of March couldn’t come quicker. He is set to sail home to his family and friends in March when his mission in Iraq is complete. Four years from now, David will be a retired U.S. Navy Seaman.
From overseas, across the nation, and back home, David Eye, this has been a special Holler at a Hometown Hero from your family.
Holler at a Hometown Hero: Sergeant Jennifer Middleton of Panama City
Panama City local, Jennifer Middleton, is a compassionate mother, a daughter, a newlywed and a strong, courageous woman who naturally touches many hearts without even trying. She is a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, currently stationed at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait.
Jennifer joined the Army around ten years ago, since then she has been deployed to Iraq three times.
“Jennifer is very inspirational and outgoing,” said Jessica Hathaway, a long time friend. “She has never complained about having to leave her four kids and her new husband for deployment.”
When it comes to Jennifer’s four children, 18-year-old Jesse Hanna, 17-year-old Justin Maxey, and the youngest, twins, Alex and Alyssa, Jennifer writes, “They are the reason I do what I do. I miss them, but I know that their dad is doing a great job.”
Jennifer met the man of her dreams, Michael Middleton, while she was deployed overseas. Not having much time to see one another, Jennifer and Michael made a quick trip back to Jennifer’s hometown, the beautiful Emerald Coast, to tie the knot.
Hathaway explained that Michael and Jennifer didn’t have much time to plan a wedding, so Jessica called in a special reinforcement, her mother Jean, to plan an unforgettable day.
Only having one week to plan a magical wedding, Jean, along with friends and family managed to pull it off.
On August 6, 2008 Michael and Jennifer made a trip back home to the beautiful Emerald Coast. Just a few days later, on August 8, 2008 they eloped under the Oats on Tyndall Parkway.
Aside from the hot and muggy Florida weather, the wedding was everything that Jennifer had ever wanted.
“Jennifer finally found the man who fulfilled her heart,” said Hathaway.
Jennifer attended Port St. Joe High School in 1990, and earned her diploma in 1991. During her time at Port St. Joe, she was actively involved in the J-ROTC and the chess club. Down the road, Jennifer found herself studying Criminal Justice at Central Texas College.
Jennifer if you are reading this, Jessica and your family say, “I just want you to know that we thank you very much and miss you dearly, please stay safe and keep in touch. We love and miss you very much.”
From overseas, across the nation, and back home, Jennifer Middleton, this has been a special Holler at a Hometown Hero from your friends and family who miss you so very much.
If you would like to nominate a soldier who has served, or is currently serving our country, click on the “Holler at a Hometown Hero” graphic on our homepage, or visit: http://www.wjhg.com/hometownhero/misc/36660424.html
Holler at a Hometown Hero: SSG Michael Spears of Marianna, Florida
Michael Spears, of Marianna, Florida, has made the Army his career since graduating from Marianna High School in 1998.
His journey began when he graduated from basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. After graduation, he was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. His next journey would take him to Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Serving in the U.S. Army has taken Spears across the world and back.
He was deployed two and a half years ago, right after his wife of four years, Jessica, gave birth to their first son, Kage Spears. In July 2008, the family of three welcomed another addition, Lola Mattie.
A few months later, Spears was deployed once more.
He has been been deployed three times total; once in support of OIF, or Operation Iraqi Freedom, and is currently deployed for a second time in support of that same mission.
Mother-in-law, Brenda Todd, said, “He, like many of our Servicemen, miss so much of the joys of their children’s early lives.”
Yet, during his deployment, Spears befriended a small orphaned girl, who you can see from the picture in the slideshow, lost her family in the war destructions of Iraq.
Spears regularly checks on the little girl, he often brings her items such as writing paper and pens.
His wife, Jessica has even sent her care packages, including clothes and toys; Michael says she is just in awe when she sees the things that he brings to her.
Todd said, “In all the ravages of war, our Soldiers experience during their time overseas, it is heartwarming to know that he can see the need to help the innocent victims of this war.”
Todd said with everything that Michael does, he still has it in his heart to feel like he needs to do something to help.
Jessica explains that Spears has worn many hats in the U.S. Army, including; a vehicle driver, ammunition handler, ammunition team chief, gunner, gun truck team leader and he is currently a Howitzer Section Chief.
“If Michael could make one good thing come of his time spent in Iraq, it would be worth the sacrifices he and his family has had to make,” said Todd.
He is very committed to serving his country, therefore, Spears made the decision in November, 2008 to re-enlist indefinitely.
“He is an extremely professional leader and supporter of the Soldiers in his command. Michael would never expect his Soldiers do anything that he himself would not be willing to do,” said Jessica. “He takes his service to his Country very seriously and he understands the sacrifices he and his Soldiers have made to serve their Country and he is very proud of having made the choices he has made.”
His awards and decorations include Army Accommodation Metal (4), Army Achievement metal (3), Unit Citation Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (2), national Defense Service Metal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism, NCO Academy Award, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Airborne Wings, Air Assault Wings & Drivers Badge.
Spears eldest daughter, 7-year-old Leah, currently lives in Colorado. His wife Jessica and their two kids currently reside in Hawaii. In his spare time he loves to spend time with his family and friends. He loves Florida Gators football, fishing, being outdoors and road trips.
The time he has spent with the little girl overseas, making her happy, is also a testament to the Hero Michael is.
SSG Michael Spears, we here at News Channel Seven, along with your whole family, including your wife Jessica, and your mother-in-law, Brenda Todd, would like to personally thank you for giving us the freedom that we have today.
You are truly a hero SSG Michael Spears.
This has been a special Holler at a Hometown Hero from your family back home.
Jessica said, “Michael, please know that I, Leah, Kage and Lola are proud of you and love you so very much and that you are “OUR HERO! Also, “B-Ma is proud of you, Michael!!!”
