War on Meth Part 2: Road to Recovery

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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

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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.

Locals Discover Weight Loss Secret

Watch Video: www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/57125372.html

Forget about the treadmill–its time to dance!!

That’s exactly what these men and women are doing here at dance life fitness in Panama City Beach.

Jay Holmes, Instructor & Nutritionist, “Ladies and gentleman learn to do real dance moves which are choreographed into a routine, so they’re both working on their fitness and they are learning how to dance at the same time.”

And only after a few salsa and mambo classes –Shanendoah Gilligan says the pounds are dropping one rhythm at a time.

“I love it, I have lost 2 and a half-to-three inches. I’m toned, people are starting to notice which is great feeling,” said Gilligan.

Deresa Young says she’s hooked.

“Tuesday was my third class and I had already lost four pounds and I can even tell on my jeans,” Young explained.

Holmes says the great thing about it is you don’t even have to know how to dance.

“For one, it’s fun, when you mess up, it’s fun, they laugh, we have a great time.”

But the best part about it all…

“They don’t even realize their working out, until they’re done, they are so concentrated on learning the dance moves and getting into the music, they don’t realize the whole time they are burning tons and tons of calories.”

“One of my favorite things is the fact that it’s an hour long, we start at 6, it’s a quarter to 6 and I’m like where did the time go?”

Jay Holmes invites those who are interested to come to the studio and try the class for free. For more information about dance–life–fitness you can visit their website at www.dancelifefitness.com

What Are You Thankful For?

Living and existing in a world that is always changing, sometimes we tend to get tangled up in life; sometimes forgetting about all of the little, or even not-so-little things that truly make us happy…and well, thankful.

 

At some point each day, I try and escape from work, stress, and the worries that each day may bring. My escape…is the beach.

 

What’s yours?

 

I don’t know what it is about the water, but ever since I was a little kid, hearing the sound of the waves crashing against the shore brings me to a state of serenity. It’s something I like to call: my Utopia. 

 

Thankgiving is soon approaching, and in a way, it’s a little saddening that we as a nation have to take a holiday, to give thanks. Shouldn’t we be thankful every day?

 

Despite all the worries that occur in this day’n age, I am blessed for many reasons.

 

I am thankful for…

• The gift of life.
• I am thankful for my faith.
• I am thankful that my family is healthy; we have a roof over our head, and food in the pantry.
• My wonderful parent’s who stood by me, believed in me and supported me through all of my successes and most importantly, my failures.
• My two sisters; Jen and Natalie.
• I am thankful for Mathew and his wonderful family. I am thankful for Marlin.
• I am thankful for Hurley and Deisle who are always so excited to see me when I walk through the door.
• I am thankful for being blessed with a very cultural and ethnically diverse family.
• I am thankful for the Benney family.
• I am thankful for Mack Roberts, Jimmy and Paula Roberts.
• I am thankful for Las Fuentes.
• I am thankful for wonderful neighbors, friends and peers who treat me with dignity, respect and compassion.
• I am thankful for all of my mentors who shared their knowledge and experiences with me for the betterment of my future.
• I am thankful for all of the brave and courageous soldiers who have fought or who are currently fighting for our nation’s freedom.
• I am thankful to have perseverance and an education.
• I am thankful for a career that allows me to travel the world and make a difference while using my voice.
• I am thankful for being brought up in the 80’s where you could leave your house without locking the door; play flash-light tag outside till the sun came down and being able to walk home at night without fear.
• I am thankful for those MC Hammer pants I used to wear in the 5^th grade, Lock-ins at the skating rink, Slap bracelets, Pogs, Paula Abdul cassette tapes (yes casettes), Popeye, New Kids on the Block (NKOTB), Nintendo(the old school one), Guess, Topsy-Tail Hairstyling thingy, Bell Bottom jeans, Umbro, The smurfs, Saved By the Bell, Giga-Pets and Nano babys, Skip-Its, The Babysitters Club books, Nickelodeon’s: “Are you afraid of the Dark.”, side-ways ponytails, Scrunchies, Oatmeal Creme Pies, Sneaking cookies before bed,  Lisa Frank Brand school supplies and stickers!!, Braces, most of all, getting off of the school bus when I was in elementary school and the only care in the world was getting home in time to watch Alex Mack and Pete and Pete.

My Summer Chasing The Sunset Has Finally Come To An End

Facing The Dead – Is This Normal?

Week #2 at KBTX
June 9-13, 2008

“When Human Nature Kicks In.”

 

 

I got sent out to cover a wreck on Highway 6. It was my sixth day on the job. I was pumped up to get out of the newsroom and see some action. When we arrived I realized this was real. I immediately knew what I had gotten myself into. 

Three 18-wheelers and one extended cab pick-up collided on highway 6 near Calvert. All vehicles caught fire. 

Two drivers were rushed to the hospital while another was trapped and pinned inside the cabin of his 18-wheeler…while it burned…his body to his death.

It was so hot and dry that day as I stood on the black-top road staring at all of the debri and smoke; the soles of my $8.99 payless shoes felt as if they were melting from underneath my feet. It was then that I realized this was the day I would see my first dead body.

 I am not going to lie. I wanted to see it. Badly. Afterwards, I felt horrible. I don’t think it was because it was frightening, but because at the time I didn’t understand what human nature can do to your mind and your body when placed outside of your bubble. And well, I was curious. But, why would a human want to look at death?

These past two weeks on the job have given me such a different perspective on reporting, interviewing, and truly understanding the essence of time. Every day I go up to Mama’s Kitchen and have breakfast with Mack, my 68-year-old neighbor. Breakfast normally consists of five or six cups of coffee and a delicious breakfast taco where I sit and listen to his story.

The other day, something clicked while he was talking; I was not only hearing him, but I was listening to every single word that came out of his mouth. I was listening effectively and efficiently for the first time in 24 years. Not because I had to, but because I genuinely wanted to. 
        
This week I have learned to listen. I feel like I have been selfish and completely ignorant on the “listening boat” for 24 years, because I have been listening to only what I want to hear. I pay attention to that special sound byte I so desperately need to ‘complete’ my story. Day in and day out I hear teachers, professors, my parents tell me how important it is to listen.

It’s taken me 24 years to realize this. But once I moved to Somerville, my mother-nature, it took me three days, nearly 32 cups of coffee and three breakfast tacos to realize the ‘art of listening.‘

Secondly, I have learned the power of silence.

I was sent out with Meredith, one of the main anchors, to cover a memorial. A PHI helicopter crashed few weeks ago, killing a pilot, two medics and a patient on board. This was a huge deal. I was nervous because I knew I would be walking up to people with a microphone asking them why they were there, and how they wanted there loved ones to be remembered.

It got easier as I listened to each person’s response however it wasn’t until I walked up to this man who happened to know Mr. Kirby, the pilot who was killed. After I had asked him why he was there, he answered my question, and then I just kept quiet, hoping for more. After about 4 seconds of us staring at each other he began to tell me that they had flown together for more than 30 years. Then he started crying. I couldn’t help myself to see a grown man cry, let alone a man who I knew for 11 seconds. I made him cry. And that made me cry. I didn’t cry in front of him though. It took so much for me to stand there and ‘pretend’ I wasn’t crying inside. But I wanted to brake down and just cry with him.

A journalist is a human too. Everything that they teach us in school: a journalist must remain neutral while reporting the truth as fully as possible, be clear, concise and correct. I am a human, and a compassionate one at that, Secondly, I am a journalist. First comes the human part then comes the Journalist. I know these situations will get easier and I will grow thicker skin, but I’m a rookie, and I’m working on it.

I have realized the importance of being prepared and anticipating. I remember Jim Douglas mentioning that he reads poetry. I fell in love with Chekhov, Tolstoy and Capote after my world lit MayMester course,. I read a short story each night, and it gets my mind working and thinking analytically and creatively, if that makes sense. The power of words can take your imagination to so many different places. I forgot what it was like to use my imagination the way I used to when I was a kid, and reading these short stories have taken me back to my childhood when I used to use it so often.

Also, I can’t forget, the coolest trick I just learned: when you want to shift back and forth from multiple open windows on your computer, all you have to do is press ALT and TAB. That’s amazing! Hah! 

Words of Wisdom (Raw): Jordan

Words of Wisdom from Jordan Meserole, a KBTX photographer (Part 2)

more about “Words of Wisdom: Jordan (Part 2)“, posted with vodpod

 

 

Words of Wisdom from a KBTX anchor: Joe Brown

I interviewed my favorite anchor, and new friend, Joe Brown for a final project before graduation. Joe gave me support and advice all throughout my internship.

more about “Words of Wisdom from a KBTX anchor: J…“, posted with vodpod

 

Update: MoJo video coming soon for each post!

I had to go and trade in the camera Mike bought me for mobile journalism at KBTX. It wasn’t MP4 compatible, which means we couldn’t edit the video on Final Cut or Quantel. So, we went over to Best Buy and traded it in for the new HD AipTek MPVR 5MP MPEG4, (I have no idea what all of those numbers mean after AipTek…hah!)  Currently KBTX doesn’t have a mobile journalist, so I’m trying to change that.

Mike and I went storm chasing yesterday with my new mini MoJo Cam. And by storm chasing, I mean we hopped in his truck and followed the black cloud, hoping for rain. No luck…I was about to get out of his truck and start doing a rain dance because the Brazos Valley is in desperate need of some rain. But we did get some interesting video from the cam. I will be posting all of it.

I’ve been documenting tips, advice and just goofy ‘happenings’ around the news room. I will be posting all of the raw footage by the end of next week.

I am working with Final Cut, to start making packages out of the video I have been shooting with my new camera. So, once I have everything figured out, the package making will begin.

I have already completed 3 packages within the past week and a half (from going out with the photographers) I have written, tracked, edited each one myself with the Quantel software at the station. I am in the process of gettting all of the codes from WorldNow, in order to post them up on my blog..

Good news–Mike said before my internship is up in August, he expects to have me on the air!!!

Fuel Prices Drive Off Home Delivery of The Eagle In Washington County

High fuel prices are putting a damper on convenience.

Starting the first week of July, Brenham and Washington County residents will not be able to receive The Eagle from the convenience of their front lawn.

“Due to the rising gas prices, home delivery has become economically unfeasible to continue,” says Jennifer Rodriguez, the paper’s circulation service representative. “All subscribers affected by this will be having their accounts transferred automatically to mail service on Tuesday, and will receive 60 days of free newspapers.”

Currently there are 100 subscribers in Washington County.

The Eagle will not be suspending direct delivery to all outlying areas; they will retain delivery operation in surrounding counties.

Over the last year, The Houston Chronicle, Austin American Statesman and San Antonio Express News, have limited or suspended out of county delivery and distribution.