i'm 29 yrs old and have 4 children but don't have custody of any of them. abusive ex-husband took 2 (i think his final way of being able to hurt me forever) my sister adopted my younger 2. i was about to lose them because after the whole "ex-husband, losing my children and only being 19yrs old at the time" stuff, i turned to drugs. i can't get passed the decisions i've made and in turn continue to make them. i haven't seen my boys for 4 yrs. i have pics of them all over my apt but can't even look at them in the eye. i look at the pics but don't really "see" them. i can't. anytime i do i remember the day they told me they were terminating my rights. they took my youngest son (2yrs. old at the time) out of my arms and we both just cried. he didn't know why or where they were taking him or why i was crying histerically. i can't stop seeing the look in his big beautiful brown eyes. writing about it now is bringing it all backagain. my babies...how did i choose drugs over them? what kind of person does that? i'm not a bad person. i've been through so much, why do i keep causing my own pain? i was molested as a child, brutally beaten during my marriage, one example...he raped me 3 days after i gave birth to my first son. the last 3 mo. i was with him, he hit me literally everyday. i would hide all the knives and even forks, anything i thought he could hurt me with worse than his fists. last time i saw him he drove around town and beat me for atleast an hour. he would pull over kneel into his seat and just start punching. he twisted his wrist from hitting me so hard (which he blamed on me) and got madder so beat me in the face and head with a flashlight he had in the car. i think he would've killed me if i didn't get away. i only got away because he was so pissed about me bleeding all over his seat, he pulled up to a gas pump to get some paper towels. as he got out of the car he pulled my seat belt tight and said if u try to do anything i'll f-en kill u. i turned and looked at the store and without a thought, unlocked the door with one hand and unhooked my seatbelt with the other. i just ran. i didn't stop til i was behind the counter inside the 7-eleven (poor clerk didn't know what the hell was going on) i turned to look back and he was just standing there next to his car with this look...that was almost 7 yrs ago. it's so difficult to spend time with our kids because i'm terrified that he'll show up while i'm there. even the thought of his voice gives me chills. i'm terrified of him. our kids live w/ his mom and she lets me visit but i'm not allowed to take them out of the house in case he calls. i can only go before 4:30 pm because he goes over after work sometimes. he just lives a few blocks down so it's pretty risky. i won't even take him to court because for that brief moment he'll know exactly where i am. they're in el paso, i'm in austin so that makes it even harder. i drive out there every 6 weeks to see them for just a couple hrs a day for about 4-5 days and then come back home. i've tried everything i can think of to get my sister to let me see the 2 that she adopted but she won't. she completely erased me from their lives. no pictures of me are in the house, my name doesn't get mentioned, (she just says m.) and for the first year anytime they would ask for me she would either change the subject or say, who? ie: my son michael (3rd child) said "i wanna see michelle. the one with the curly brown hair" and my sister told him "who?, no don't you mean margie, your teacher from church?" then just asked him something so he would think about something else. he was only 4 then now he's gonna be 7. oh my God! another realization...7. he'll be 7 and his little brother will be 6. i can't believe it's been that long already. i don't feel that i deserve to live a good life because of the choices i made. i continue to self-sabotage because i don't think it's fair to any of my kids if i'm happy. they should've been all i needed but at the time i was more in love w/ the drugs. i didn't want to think about or deal w/ the loss of nikki and jr (my first 2) in my life and ended up causing the loss of michael and christian too. i can't have anymore children and i can't have the 4 that i gave birth to and i can't get over the facts. i can't get used to not having kids, not hearing them fight, not watching them play, not screaming and throwing fits in the store. i miss them all so much and don't know what to do. this is probably just another way of me trying to vent. counselors say to write down ur feelings and you'll feel better. i write and i write, and i draw and i write and it's not getting any easier. i've written my children so many letters that they'll never get...every b-day i miss, every christmas,easter, valentine's day. i just don't know how to go on. i don't feel that i can. i need to see their little faces again and let them know that i'm sorry and that i didn't just run away. i think michael, atleast still remembers me, christian might've been young enough to where he could've forgotten me. i think. i don't know. the last time i saw them i told them that they were gonna live w/ their auntie anna and their cousins. i promised that i would call and visit. michael kept crying and saying no, he wanted to live w/ me. it was already too late though. i wanted to just say ok, you'll live w/ me but cps had already said they were terminating my rights. this was my "good-bye" visit. i don't know they remember, but i do. i promised them i'd still be around and then my sister changed her mind. i feel that they think i just lied and left them behind. i can't deal w/ this anymore. i don't know what to do. about any of it. it's all too much to take in. i don't want to believe any of it ever happened. i try to live by not thinking cuz if i start to think, i start to think about them and i just can't. i feel like i'm locked in a huge empty room with no windows and no doors. no way out. do you know anyway i can get through this? i've tried counselors, i went to rehab, i go to church, i don't even have friends. i have 1 friend and i think she's starting to get tired of hearing me cry too. she hasn't called all week. i understand though. i can't even deal w/ all my problems, i can't expect someone else to hear it all the time. i'm sorry. well, if for nothing else, thank you for this page to write it all down again. i'm trying. i just don't know what else to do.

Hi Tyra,
I know that I have sent you a message before in here, but im not sure if you read it b/c it's not showing like where everybody else's is. Im 13.My mom is a drunk, she get's drunk every night.She really needs help.Im sick and tired of not having a mom, and feeling like I have nobody.Tonight she tryed to kill herself.I want her to get better, we have no money for rehab, but my step-dad is gonna work 3 jobs to get her in there. But he doesnt want to leave us alone with her. When I say us I mean me and my step-brother. Tyra my family needs help, can you please help us?
-Heather

Dear Tyra,
The reason I am writing is to ask for advise of being a non drinker in a drinkers world. I'm 30 and an alcoholic. I read somewhere that you don't drink alcohol, so I thought being a celebrity you would know what it was like to be in a club or party situation. What do you drink while everyone else is partaking in an 80 proof happy hour? Advise from any non drinkers especially recovering alcoholics out there would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Tyra, my ex-brother- in-law is an alcoholic and has two weeks to live. My children are worry about their dad ending up that way.How should they tell him about their concern?

This comment is for sunny...I see how bad you want to help your mother...she is going to have to want to get help for herself...Even if she was locked in a place where she couldnt sign herself out, she wouldnt get better because she didnt want it...this is my own personal opinion...right now you need to focus on you...trying to find ways for you to live a healthy happy life so you dont end up like your mother...sure, we all want our cinderella mom's back, but the fact is that that may or may not happen...so what are you going to do for you to make sure you are not miserable and always worrying about getting back your relationship with your mom....it hurts, i know, to see her like this, but, you cant fix her problems...have you went to Alanon? I would suggest that you get yourself into a support group to help you, not your mom...you would be surprised at how going to these meetings will help you cope with your "loss" and what you can do for yourself...i hope that this doesnt come across as cold or mean, but just the truth...there comes a point in our lives where we have to let the people we love go and put them in God's hands and pray for them...that is all you can do...

Hi Tyra, my name is Sunny =). I am 16 and my mother is an alcoholic. Because of this, my grandparents from her side raised me. As a little girl growing up I thought my mother, to me, was the greatest woman alive. She was the real live cinderella in fairytales i admired. She was so beautiful, even did some modeling. She loved the beach, and was so much fun. She was crazy, LOUD, free spirited, very outgoing, and overall a loving person. People instantly fell in love with her after meeting her for the first time. She was my hero. If you've noticed, i speak of her in past tense, as if she died. Its because the mom, i loved, feels like she is dead, to me. She was all those wonderful characteristics sober. And now that i have gotten older, I don't have time to stick around and wait to hang out with her and be nice just because shes sober now. Tomorrow she will be back to her same ways. Thats why i've almost completely blocked her from my life. I remember being a little girl, not understanding why she would act the way she did. I would say mommmy is just in la la land, she'll come back. One time i was staying with her and she passed out on the bathroom floor. Being only 6 years old I tried to wake her up and she never budged. I thought my mommy was dead. So i ran and hid in a corner in my room, cried myself to sleep, until later my grandma came to the house and held me in her loving arms. I've watched men abuse her. I've even been in a fist fight with her, which i am very embarressed and ashamed to admit. I've watched her put a gun in her mouth and tell me shes going to kill herself. Its crazy though, because she doesnt act like the typical alcoholic. When she was pregnant with me or my older brother and sister, not once did she pick up a beer. And my grandparents sent her to numerous of rehabs. The funny thing is though, when she was there, she was perfect, even helped out others. Those who worked there said they didnt see why such a person like herself was even there. So she gets released early and willw be out for two weeks and things would be great, then she would just start back again. Sometimes i think theres a mental problem there too. But Tyra, that is another loooong story, i will save for some other time. Now I told you my grandparents raised me, which was the greatest blessing i could ask for. Except living with elderly, i didn't have anyone to take me to the beach, or do other things my friends family did. So i would blame everything that goes wrong in my life on my mom and her alcoholism, because if it wasn't for her my life would be what i called normal. When my grandpa died, my heart was forever broken. My grandpa didn't just die, but he was my daddy. And without him, my grandma struggles paying bills. Which i worry awfully about. I would begin to blame even this on my mom because if it wasn't for alcohol i would be living with her not worrying about money because i know she would have went somewhere and been very successful. I only see my mother about 3 times a year now, and we use to be so close. I miss her more than anything. Last time I saw her was a month ago and she was only 93 lbs!! It kills me to see her like that. Tyra, to get to the point, i wanted to ask you if maybe you could put my mom in a rehab where she can't sign herself out. One that will actually work! I feel like theres really not much I can do because i'm only 16 and my grandma has given up. My grandma is so mean and bitter about helping my mother anymore, that i even dare to talk about rehab around her. As you can see the choices my mom makes not only affected her life but my entire family's. I wish I could talk to you about this more, so you could truly understand my situation to help. But please Tyra, I just want my cederella, my hero, and mostly, my mom back.

I have some friends that are begging me to go inpatient to get help for drug and alcohol addiction...I have an issue with leaving my kids for that long and dont see how anyone can just leave their kids for a while...do you tell your kids what is going on or what...

i dont understand how you could just leave your kids to get help...wouldnt they have abandonment issues later in life??

dear tyra,
tyra am in love with your show especially the one you talked about racism,tyra am 22 year old from kenya africa,honestly i need your help.talking about drugs i think i fall in that trap, tyra am a chain smoker and i love dry gin.i dont smoke or drink because i love it but it makes me fill free and distresed from my poor life. since i saw ur show abuot racism something told me she can help you regardless of your nationality and race,tyra my future is black and blank not because i dont use my brain or i dont have idears to beter my life, i have tyra.tyra i joined university to undertake veterinary medicine but my poor life dragged me back and i was forced to drop out due to fees,then after one year i joined a college to undertake animal health and production but all the same i droped out coz am the son of apoor and uneducated parents who fight to bring food on our table,tyra these year someone offered to help me with ma education but i thinked twice what of my small brother who is finishing high school these year and next year he is too join high learning, i dont what him to suffer the way i am as in droping out of school every time you try due to fees, so i thuoght of working to support my small brother education but tyra am in kenya where racism is our daily issue, you wont get a job if u aint of the same race.tyra whats killing me is my dad house, all my dads life span he managed to build our family house which to be honest is unroofed for the last 5 years not because he dont want to finish the house but he cant raise $1500 for the last 5 good years,tyra i have business idears to raise up too $2000 a month which can help ma family and i to beter ourn lifes,tyra i have tried to ask for loan to many people and organisation but i dont have the security to get the loan.tyra am astrange who is on his bended knees asking for help, tyra am pleading please can you loan me @10000 to buy a van for tranmportion,and i promise i will pay you back monthly till the debt is over, i know i dont have anything to prove i'll pay you back or any security to get the loan,but i have only my word, please tyra help so that i can secure my family future.please.am looking forward to get your response

I am deaf mother and need ur help My son is 24 yrs old he had a good job He work for electric and make good money and he Had a beautiful girlfriend and beautiful family but he turn down to worse and got drugs addict scine he was 13 I try to save his life I cry all the time I want to help but got no money to and he had no health insurance he dosnet want to go counslor or treatment He didn't ccare his life I had a long story abt him My daughter will explain ya abt him I am not going to giving up and how to save his life before to late He got herion now and other drugs He is real nice man He had no bad crimmal but thief and drugs and use to have selling drugs when he was 16 yrs old Let my daughter explain ya We all love him so much We try to tell and help him but he dose't want help at all why?

I beg beg beg and need ur help tpo save him before to late
He was in jail for one noight and got out cuz he had high with 2 friends I hate his friends He once got treatment reh for 6 months and got better in I think abt 1995 but now it is worse
Please please please help Daniel to save his life
His brother ask him to stay his home but dan refused he don't want invole in his home

Please help me to find a way to save him and his life wHe is so real good man He never abuse He never killanyone or bad crimmal

I beg ur help
I pray so hard for my son
thank ya
Deaf mom

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dear tyra,

the show on Alcoholic or "Addict" ment so much to me i have written to ya many times but this hit me hard, im only 19teen and lately a lot i have been drinking so much to the point i black out and i feel its maybe to numb all the pain and all the heart ack i feel inside about me, and my life its been so hard!!!but, Alcoholic run in my family and well i don't want that to run my life maybe i should go get help befour its to late

thanks tyra your the best

lots of love
christina

I dont know where to turn ..I hope you can offer me some advice ..My daughter who is 22 years old and is in trouble ..her self esteem is so low ..she dates a guy who beats her ..demeans her yet she stays with him ..she takes xanex ( doctor prescribed) ..but it seems the doctors just want to mask the problem instead of getting to the core of her problem ..I wish so bad i could afford to send her to a very nice rehab ..on that is not a revoling door ..but they cost like $20K for the month and i dont have it ..i wish someome could talk to her help her ..can you ? I love her so much but dont know how to help her ..i tried tough love .that didnt work ..i am so worrried he will beat her to death..can you tyra help me or anyone out there advise me

I dont know where to turn ..I hope you can offer me some advice ..My daughter who is 22 years old and is in trouble ..her self esteem is so low ..she dates a guy who beats her ..demeans her yet she stays with him ..she takes xanex ( doctor prescribed) ..but it seems the doctors just want to mask the problem instead of getting to the core of her problem ..I wish so bad i could afford to send her to a very nice rehab ..on that is not a revoling door ..but they cost like $20K for the month and i dont have it ..i wish someome could talk to her help her ..can you ? I love her so much but dont know how to help her ..i tried tough love .that didnt work ..i am so worrried he will beat her to death..can you tyra help me or anyone out there advise me

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Dear Tyra,
I am 13 years old, and i am addicted to something. No, it is not drugs or alcohol, its cutting. People may not realize it but it is very addicting and it is very dangerous. i've been doing it for over 2 years off and on now. I have tried to get help, but last night for the first time in 2 months, i did it again. I really think you should have a little think about this on your show, its not talked about a whole lot, and it is a very very important thing that many people are doing today. I was surprised to know how many of my friends were doing it, they told me whenever i told them i did. People you least expect it do this stuff. So, maybe you can send me and email or something and hopefully you will consider havning this on your show. thanx

I am commenting to Tracey posted on May 22, 2007. I am a substance abuse therapist and I am also a recovering alcoholic/addict who lived this horrible life for twenty-two years. I just celebrated 17 years clean on June 16, 2007. It is obvious that you know by now that you have a serious problem. You have to want to stop and you have to want your life back. Tyra and no one else can give this to you.

Check yourself into a rehab, stay away from negative people, places and things an you will be alright. You stated that you have lost the children, can't you see this is a selfish disease and the only way that you can get help is to help yourself? Get busy and get a hold of yourself!

Bea

I am commenting to Tracey posted on May 22, 2007. I am a substance abuse therapist and I am also a recovering alcoholic/addict who lived this horrible life for twenty-two years. I just celebrated 17 years clean on June 16, 2007. It is obvious that you know by now that you have a serious problem. You have to want to stop and you have to want your life back. Tyra and no one else can give this to you.

Check yourself into a rehab, stay away from negative people, places and things an you will be alright. You stated that you have lost the children, can't you see this is a selfish disease and the only way that you can get help is to help yourself? Get busy and get a hold of yourself!

Bea

i am 38 yrs old and my father is my best friend. We live across the country but have the best relationship. I have seen the shows on Promises and want to go with my dad as we both need it. There is no love like a father and his only daughter. Please help us. Love Tina and Nicholas Shammot. Tyra you my inspriation.. Beautiful person. Love Tina

Hi Tyra.
im a 15 year old girl. ive had a tough battle in the last couple years of my life. i have to live with my mom and dad. my mom who use to to be an alcoholic, would take out her anger on me. she was constantly putting me down. my dad would always be gone with friends or golfing. i cried myself to slep so many times because of her. the when i started high school i lost two best friends. one died in a 4wheller crash at my neighbors. and the other died in a car wreck. all in the past year. then i began with drugs. it was a stupid thing to do but it just seemed to work for me at the time. i began smoking pot everyday. then i began with the pills. i was taking zanex and valium and klonopin daily. i would take up to 20 of them a day. i was so badly addicted. then one night i snuck out and got arrested then my parents began to notice things different about me. then they found the drugs in my room. i was so addicted that i would steal them from everyone around me. i hated the withdraws i went through if i didnt have them for even one day. i went crazy. so i looked for every way to get something. then i bought some at school and got caught. they expelled me. now i have to go to a Alternative school where it is like jail. we get searched everyday we cant bring a single thing with us. not even a purse during that time of the month. we get treated as if we are the misfit toys. we all made mistakes to get there but still. the only good thing to come of the whole ordeal is that i met one amazing guy. he has helped me stay clean. he is my bestfriend, boyfriend, my life. i come to him on bad days. i honestly think he is the one i want to spend the rest of my life with. but back to the subject. my mom has sobered up but she still cuts me down. i hate the lies. and i hate how she treats me. it makes me feel as if im not good enough. i love watching your show. and i rally loved your one with fergie. it showed me that i can still live up to my dreams. honestly you are my hero. thanks.

The only comment that I would have in regards to this show is that although Promises seems to be a good treatment program, for those that can afford it, for those that can't there is a free, not religious program known as Narcotics Anonymous. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using. This program is the only thing that has worked for me. I would suggest to anyone that is struggling with their addiction, this program offers hope. It is a simple program, and is offered all around the world. It is fellow addicts who desire a new way of life, helping other addicts.
Active Addiction, is a terribly lonely place. Until we surrender to the fact that we cannot use ANY drug, we will struggle. I had to lose my children temporarily, relapse, have a miscarriage, all to bring me to a place of true surrender. I owe my life to this program.
The other great thing about NA/AA is that we only have to not use for Just today. That's it. Just don't use today, that can be waking up in the morning and asking for help to make it thru the day clean, then going to bed and giving thanks for the clean day.

Hi Tyra
I am 16 but 17 on halloween and i have gone through crazy things for my addiction. My uncle is a punk rock guitarist in a famous rock band. He is the reason that i no longer use crack. he pulled me through it and he helped me when i was on antidepressants, crack, alcohol, being suicidal, and right when i was about to kill myself. I was only 15 during all of this and he helped me. I have been sober and happy for the past 2 years. Thank YOu tyra for showing this show, it made me see how i wasnt alone. PS Thank You to my best friend ... my uncle!!!!!!!!

Tyra, I caught the show last night. The whole time I watched it I cried. It hit home with me. I am 16 and I have been doing drugs since I was 10. It started out as Pot then went on to ex, cocaine, crack, rock, herion, meth, etc... I have stolen pills off of my mother and grandmother. I have sold my body for these drugs. I have been drinking for around the same amount of time. I have gotten so bad at times that I just wanted to die. I suffer from depression, Borderline Personality Disorder and I suffer from eating disorders. I have cut my wrists numerous times. I have been pregnant 4 times, and had miscarriges with them. This show really hit home base with me. It opened my eyes. I do admit I need help but I will find it.

WOW! BOY DOES THIS SHOW REALLY HIT HOME FOR ME...I AM 20 YEARS OLD. MY MOTHER IS AN ALCOHOLIC WITH LIVER DISEASE AND MY FATHER IS A DRUG ADDICT. ALL OF MY PREVIOUS MEMORIES WITH THEM FROM WHEN I WAS YOUNG HAS JUST BEEN ONE BIG LIE. I HAVE GROWN UP WITH THIS DISEASE SITTING ON MY SHOULDERS TRYING TO DRAG ME DOWN. MY PARENTS HAVE BOTH GONE TO REHAB BEFORE BUT LIKE THEY SAY YOU HAVE TO WANT TO GET BETTER. THEY HAVE THEIR GOOD DAYS AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS I JUST WANT THE WORLD TO STOP BECAUSE I KNOW IT WON'T LAST FOR LONG. I KNOW THEY LOVE ME...I STILL HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH MY MOM I LOVE HER AND WANT TO HELP HER SO BAD! I HAVEN'T GIVEN UP ON THEM AND I WON'T!

Dear Tyra, I watched your show on addictions last night and it really hit me hard. I am not an addict but my life has revolved around drugs and alcohol for as long as I can rememeber. I am 16 years old and live in the projects in a small southern town where it is very easy to get a hold of anything. Sometimes you can walk down the street and see "deals" being made or smell the weed. My life has been a living hell for the past 2 years; I used to have the BEST mother in the whole world till that day she started drinking. She's been arrested more times now than I can count and each time the police just look at me and my twin sister in disgust. I had to get a part time job right after school because my mother quit working and rent still had to be paid. At first, I would fall asleep during class because i'd be so tired from working late the night before. She's in jail now and I remember the police came to my job at about 11:30 one night to tell me I couldn't go home and we couldn't even find anybody to stay with us. I couldn't even finish my last 2 days of school because I had to move to a place i've never been before so I could have a place to live and someone to stay with. My mother is heading to a rehab center tommorrow. I'm shaking now because I have never shared this with anyone (I have to keep a happy face for my sister.) In my home town people always look down on me and all my friend's mothers think I am a bad influence, alhtough i've never done anything. Your show helped me a lot to understand my mother and her situation. I think another good thing you could do is sort of a follow up and show some kids who are affected by their addicted parents and what they have to go through everyday. Life is tough and I can only pray to God that this go-aroung my mom learns her lesson. I couldn't even say goodbye to her. Thank you Tyra for having such a wonderful show, you reach a lot of people and are such a good influence. I wish there were more people out there like you with the same compassion. So thanks!!

1.Tyra, i really admire you and love watching your show. you have so much compassion!! You are for real! And what you don't know about you aren't afraid to admit you don't know and learn about it. i am referring to the show tonight about celebrity drug rehab. i am 46 years old and have been an addict for 22 years. first it was cocaine for 3 years, then we (my husband and me) moved on to Meth. we have 4 beautiful, healthy kids. i am truly blessed that they all turned out so well. they are all really close in age, 22, 21, 18, 17. the 17 year old will graduate high school next year. i am already suffering from the empty nest syndrome and he isn't even gone yet, but the others are. i also have as 29 year old from a previous marriage. the father of the four went to prison in 1991 for possession of meth, and did not get out until 2004. i raised the children without him, but i can't say i raised them by myself, so many caring people have been in my life assisting me with that task, but i was a single mother. i have been clean of and on for the past year, the longest period being 25 days. currently clean since Mother's day. I am mostly concerned for my 22 year old at this time. I am afraid we are going to literally lose her to meth. She has a beautiful 2 ½ year old daughter, who bounces around between both parents and grandparents, no one has legal custody of her yet. She also had twins, a boy and girl, that turned one in April 2007. she gave these twins up for adoption, i have mixed emotions about this, but they are in a stable and loving home. My daughter, Jenna, has buried herself in the drug and men because she doesn’t want to cope with the fact that she “gave these twins away”. She needs help, but i am not sure where to turn to and if i can force her to it. I want to quit! She doesn’t and says she isn’t ready. I don’t even know what to say to you, my life is so full of drama. Thank you for the show and the info you supplied us with. I have never been to any rehab, but i have been to a couple of na meetings. about 10 years ago was my very lowest point. i even called child protective services to come and take my kids because i felt i had no where to turn. i called a rehab in Pheonix, AZ and asked to be admitted. they asked me my drug and when i told them meth they told me that is was not physical addicting and was not paid for by the state. if i had said cocoain or heroin they would have accepted me free of charge. luckily my oldest daughter stepped up and let my kids stay with her for a couple of weeks to help me get my stuff together, but it was just not long enough! four years ago i had a counselor i saw weekly and she suggested that i joint extensive outpatient therapy for my addiction. it only cost $160 a week!!!! and met 4 hours a night 4 days a week.!!@ i had a job, but i didn't even bring home that much each week. They had a payment plan!! and once you admit you are an addict everything you do from that point on deeply looked upon and assumed due to drugs. i was clean for 8 months once and acting myself and people would say "I want what you are on!" i feel hopeless and that there is no end to the addiction. i will fall back into it time and time again. i don't like me and the dope softens the edges or gives me more reason to dislike myself.
thank you for being real, Tyra, don't ever lose that. you are very unique because of that. thank you for reaching out and trying to help. keep it up.
i just wish my life was not so full of drama. and i could help all five of my kids all the time. i have lived my life for them and now they don't need me anymore. i am a lost woman, and i don't know what to do with myself!!!

Dear Tyra

I caught the episode about addictions on oxygen tonight. It nearly brought me to tears because I'm not addicted to drugs or alcohol but I do suffer from depression, an eating disorder, self mutaltion and anxiety. I'm 19 and the people I thought I could trust most in life proved me wrong and hurt me deep. I don't trust anyone and try to work through my problems on my own. My mother seems bothered by my "problems" and the rest of my family just tells me how great I can be in life if i go to college and get a full time job. Nobody understands the fight I fight everyday just to force myself to get out of bed. I've had suicide attempts and its hard to not try give in to temptation.

I want to thank you for doing this episode. It was great and hit me hard.

Tyra,
My name is Ann Likens, I am 20 years old. My drug of choice was coccaine and maujiwana. I have been clean for 7 months now. Since I have been clean I have had something in side of me dying to help another addict or alcoholic that is in need. I had been using drugs since I was 11 years old. I was raised in Portland , TN. by my alcoholic and drug addict father. I have a 19 month old son. Although he doesn't know me that well,I'm in his life and he is in mine. TYRA IF I CAN DO THIS ANYONE CAN. I AM SOOO FORTUNATE TO HAVE THE SUPPORT SYSTEM THAT I HAVE IN MY LIFE! TYRA, I KNOW THAT I'VE ONLY BEEN CLEAN FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, IF THERE IS ANYTHING I COULD DO TO HELP A YOUNGER OR OLDER PERSON IN NEED OF HELP FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LET ME KNOW. I WATCH YOUR SHOW ALL THE TIME. YOU LOOK GREAT AND YOU HAVE SO MUCH STYLE. I WISH I COULD DO SOMETHING TO HELP ALL ADDICTS AND ALCOHOLICS COME OUT OF THAT DEEP HOLE!!!!!
LOVE ALWAYS,
ANN LIKENS

Tyra,
My name is Ann Likens, I am 20 years old. My drug of choice was coccaine and maujiwana. I have been clean for 7 months now. Since I have been clean I have had something in side of me dying to help another addict or alcoholic that is in need. I had been using drugs since I was 11 years old. I was raised in Portland , TN. by my alcoholic and drug addict father. I have a 19 month old son. Although he doesn't know me that well,I'm in his life and he is in mine. TYRA IF I CAN DO THIS ANYONE CAN. I AM SOOO FORTUNATE TO HAVE THE SUPPORT SYSTEM THAT I HAVE IN MY LIFE! TYRA, I KNOW THAT I'VE ONLY BEEN CLEAN FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, IF THERE IS ANYTHING I COULD DO TO HELP A YOUNGER OR OLDER PERSON IN NEED OF HELP FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LET ME KNOW. I WATCH YOUR SHOW ALL THE TIME. YOU LOOK GREAT AND YOU HAVE SO MUCH STYLE. I WISH I COULD DO SOMETHING TO HELP ALL ADDICTS AND ALCOHOLICS COME OUT OF THAT DEEP HOLE!!!!!
LOVE ALWAYS,
ANN LIKENS

Dear Tyra,

I have written many times before, just because your shows mean a lot to me... But your show on addictions meant even more, the world to me... I found myself crying all along, thinking back at what I went through to still be alive on this day. But most and foremost, thank you Tyra for giving that problem a voice and for some, a way out. You've expressed that nobody is alone and can always reach out to someone.

I have been "clean" for the past 8 years now, recovering from an heroin addiction. I am now just only 26 years-old and happier than ever. I find myself often looking back just because it gives me a strength to live my life now. I never went through rehab, you know. It was very painful but I've done it on my own. I never shot up, I smoked it for the most part. I have decided to stop before the thought of shooting up would even enter my life. Because to me, once you shoot up, there's no turning back. So one day, I have gathered all the money that I had left and rented a hotel room, pushed anything that could physically hurt me or that I could hurt myself with in the room, and finally gave out very strict instructions to the employees in the hotel. It went from not letting me out by any means in the first 3 days, open up the door and push a minimum of food in... I had no other choice but to do that. It was probably the most painful and agonizing days I've had to live through in my life but it was all worth it. The cold sweat, the vomitting, the suicidal thoughts, the loneliness, the all-over cramps...

After all of that, I even forced myself to go swim in the sea and run a few too, sunbathe again for a healthy look even. I came home healthy about 10 days later.
This all happened in Vietnam, it would've been a shame for my family to even think of checking in a rehab center. Keeping in mind, there's no "spa-looking" kind of center over there either. They're very "hardcore" there. They roll you up in a blanket and leave you in the room with no food and no water for 3 days straight. I just had to do it my way...
I overcame my addiction but I have to admit I have a very hard time overcoming my fears still. But I am very good nowadays. I had a very "fancy" job, but going back to school now. I have a wonderful boyfriend that I can reach out to and share my views on life, my insecurities, and fears... I would like to help other people too but still don't know where to start. If you can help me on that, please let me know.

Thank you for you time, Tyra.

Much much love,
Sophie

Hi, I am not a addict or alcholic but, my whole life is involved around it. My grandfather was a alcoholic and died in a accident. My father died when I was 7. He was a alcoholic and also died in a car accident. I now have one of my older brothers who is a alcoholic. He has tried attempted to stop drinking and can't seem to kick it. He finally on another low of his (after my mother took his boys from him again) told me that he can't do it. He said he wakes up in the morning and its the first thing he thinks of. I asked him what about AA isn't there someone to call and talk to. He said he needed to be put away somewhere where he can't get to it. He is a single father with Diabetes. This last time my mother took them because he was put in jail for priors. (dui, etc.. etc.. all to the accounts of drinking) I can't lose another person in my family to this terrible disease! We are 10-1/2 months apart and I can't imagine one day knowing he is not there. The boys are under so much stress. One is angry all the time and the other just lies and steals. You see the results and they have him. No mom. I would like advice or something. Being that our family has little means of money. Is there something out there better then AA to help him? Thanks for your help in advance.

Tyra,

I am 21 yrs old and when I was 19 I became heavily addicted to Heroin. Eventually, I told my parents who, although terrified, were very supportive. I began an out-patient program New York, which did not work at all. After 7 weeks, I got honest and admitted to cheating on drug tests and went out to Arizona to stay at a residential program.

I was the last girl in the world that anyone would expect to get hooked on hard drugs. Young, pretty, upper-middle class. I have gotten an incredible education, I went to a great college, and a #1 private girls school in NYC. But none of this stuff mattered anymore.

I just want to offer a little bit of hope to other young women my age, I was not able to do it on my own, and I couldn't do it with help the first time. But it can be done, and I am living proof of that. I should not be alive today and I am.

My relationships with others are no longer based on lies. My relationship with MYSELF is honest again.

I made some of the most wonderful, supportive friends that I will keep forever during recovery.

Thank you for doing this episode and showing people that its okay to be honest, and to get help if you have a problem.

~N.

Tyra,

I am 21 yrs old and when I was 19 I became heavily addicted to Heroin. Eventually, I told my parents who, although terrified, were very supportive. I began an out-patient program New York, which did not work at all. After 7 weeks, I got honest and admitted to cheating on drug tests and went out to Arizona to stay at a residential program.

I was the last girl in the world that anyone would expect to get hooked on hard drugs. Young, pretty, upper-middle class. I have gotten an incredible education, I went to a great college, and a #1 private girls school in NYC. But none of this stuff mattered anymore.

I just want to offer a little bit of hope to other young women my age, I was not able to do it on my own, and I couldn't do it with help the first time. But it can be done, and I am living proof of that. I should not be alive today and I am.

My relationships with others are no longer based on lies. My relationship with MYSELF is honest again.

I made some of the most wonderful, supportive friends that I will keep forever during recovery.

Thank you for doing this episode and showing people that its okay to be honest, and to get help if you have a problem.

~N.

Hi Tyra thanks for your info on addiction as I am a 51yr old clean and sober addict and have almost 2yrs in. Due to the hard work I have done and with the help of I also call a miracle drug suboxone it has helped me more then I can say. I have read a lot of success stories and it just amazes me thanks again.

Dearest Tyra,
Thank you for the episode that you did on promises. It was a true bonding experience for me and my mom. My mom has been an addict for most of her life. She lost her brother, sister, and mother to different addictions which lead her towards a downward spiral. She has been everything from a heroin addict to a "pill head" and was never able to be at piece with her self for the pain that she was causing me and more importantly herself. Im 18 years old and have dealt with more in the past couple of years than some do their entire life, but every cloud has a silver lining. Im a Sociology Major at SDCCD and I hope to trasfer to state in a couple of years. I guess that I always knew that my mom was different, and i guess i always knew why, but i chose to ignore it for hopes of some sort of a "normal" life. She was in rehab 3 times, and like they say, "third times a charm." Of course it was nothing like Promises, but she has been clean for a year and a half. So thank you again Tyra,

P.S. If there is an addict who is reading this I hope you know that you will never change unless you want to change. Also never give up! If you fail brush yourself off and try again, there will always be someone who will give you the needed strength.

Tyra I think what your doing it great. I to have struggled with addiction most of my life but having a baby changed my life for the best. after living on the streets of Boulder C.O in the winter, contracting Hep C and being in jail many times I can now say I love life and no matter what there is a better way. I have a favor my soon to be husband is a wonderfull father and has worked so hard for us. I really want to do something special for him for Fathers Day and I don't know what to do. He works 47 hours a week and still comes home in a great mood he just got his year of sobrity the other week and I want him to know how proud of him I am. Only a such a wonderfull man would stop there 20 years of drug use to be a good father and husband. Please help me show him my apprication.

Dear Tyra,

I just watched your show with girls going wild on spring break with a few friends. We laughed hysterically for the entire show. I'm a recent graduate from a top university, and absolutely nothing I saw on the show surprised me. The entire point of Spring Break is to fit in all of the wild and crazy times that you can't normally have during the year - at least not to that extent. The girls who you attempted to lecture on your show are probably the same women that will be your child's pediatrician, or school teacher. You definitely didn't ask for their GPA's on the show.

That mother who was on the beach with her daughter and niece should be commended for her efforts and succeeding in keeping her family safe.

GET A GRIP! THEY ARE JUST BOOBS!! Our generation doesn't get so bent out of shape about a woman's breasts being exposed, licked, etc.

Cheers!

Jason

TYRA I THINK YOU ARE A GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR YOUNG LADIES. I LIKE HOW YOUR MOTHER WAS AND IS THERE FOR YOU. NOT LIKE SOME OF THE OTHERS. YOU GO GIRL YOU HAVE MORALS AND THAT SHOW WITH GIRLS GONE WILD IS WHY IM GLAD I WAS THERE FOR MY DAUGHTER.

TYRA I THINK YOU ARE A GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR YOUNG LADIES. I LIKE HOW YOUR MOTHER WAS AND IS THERE FOR YOU. NOT LIKE SOME OF THE OTHERS. YOU GO GIRL YOU HAVE MORALS AND THAT SHOW WITH GIRLS GONE WILD IS WHY IM GLAD I WAS THERE FOR MY DAUGHTER.

TYRA I THINK YOU ARE A GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR YOUNG LADIES. I LIKE HOW YOUR MOTHER WAS AND IS THERE FOR YOU. NOT LIKE SOME OF THE OTHERS. YOU GO GIRL YOU HAVE MORALS AND THAT SHOW WITH GIRLS GONE WILD IS WHY IM GLAD I WAS THERE FOR MY DAUGHTER.

Hi Tyra, I am a loyal watcher of your show. I have missed it a few times, and wait patiently for re-runs to air so i can catch one. In 1995 I was arrested for robbery. My husband actually committed the robberies, but as I drove the car, I was charged as well. At the time we were both addicted to crack cocaine. And we had one year old twin daughters, Amanda and Andrea. They went to his Mother in NC under a temporary custody order, and he went to prison for 45 years. I recieved ten years, seven suspended after serving three, due to it being my first offense. All that time was then deferred to Hegira House, a recovery program in Rke, VA. I spent one year in house, and it was probably the most difficult year of my life. The things I had to do with looking inside of me and finding the reasons I allowed myself to be abused, and abuse myself, were traumatic and enlightening. After i graduated there, I spent a year and a half in out patient care, and I am proud to say i am clean to this day. I absolutely have no interest in alcohol or drugs. Medications make me so high I take them extremely sparingly for pain. I do not actually regret my past because it made me a strong independant woman. I can do things on my own, and I am not easily influenced now. I live with a wonderful man, who I have been with over nine years, and have been accepted by his family with open arms. And my family accepts him the same. My twin girls are in NC with a great uncle, as their grandmother died and I could not find them after that...I do pay child support, but don't get to see them. My husband is in jail until 2029 at least. I want to get a divorce as my fiance wants to marry me. That is a problem though, a 1500 dollar problem! So it is going to take awhile to achieve that goal, but I will. And one day, I keep telling myself and my other children say the same. the girls will want to see me, and I will be there for them, with open arms and honesty. I am so glad you brought forth the issue of drug and alcohol abuse. So many kids think it is cool, because so many stars do it. But it takes lives. Just last night my oldest son's best friend wrecked his car, is in the hospital, and his sixteen year old friend was killed, he did not have on a seatbelt. There was marijuana found and we know 'J' was drinking. This breaks my heart, I see it to often. Only last year my son lost a friend to another accident due to drinking. Please, Tyra, keep putting this out there so these kids have a chance. As a parent I have always told my kids the wrong that can be, and from my own life they have an example of such. I have also told them if they go out with their friends and drink to call me, not to drive. So far that is what the two oldest have done. I can only hope for that to continue. Thanks Tyra for being the beautiful wonderful woman that you are!

Dear Tyra,

I have written many times before, just because your shows mean a lot to me... But your show on addictions meant even more, the world to me... I found myself crying all along, thinking back at what I went through to still be alive on this day. But most and foremost, thank you Tyra for giving that problem a voice and for some, a way out. You've expressed that nobody is alone and can always reach out to someone.

I have been "clean" for the past 8 years now, recovering from an heroin addiction. I am now just only 26 years-old and happier than ever. I find myself often looking back just because it gives me a strength to live my life now. I never went through rehab, you know. It was very painful but I've done it on my own. I never shot up, I smoked it for the most part. I have decided to stop before the thought of shooting up would even enter my life. Because to me, once you shoot up, there's no turning back. So one day, I have gathered all the money that I had left and rented a hotel room, pushed anything that could physically hurt me or that I could hurt myself with in the room, and finally gave out very strict instructions to the employees in the hotel. It went from not letting me out by any means in the first 3 days, open up the door and push a minimum of food in... I had no other choice but to do that. It was probably the most painful and agonizing days I've had to live through in my life but it was all worth it. The cold sweat, the vomitting, the suicidal thoughts, the loneliness, the all-over cramps...

After all of that, I even forced myself to go swim in the sea and run a few too, sunbathe again for a healthy look even. I came home healthy about 10 days later.

This all happened in Vietnam, it would've been a shame for my family to even think of checking in a rehab center. Keeping in mind, there's no "spa-looking" kind of center over there either. They're very "hardcore" there. They roll you up in a blanket and leave you in the room with no food and no water for 3 days straight. I just had to do it my way...

I overcame my addiction but I have to admit I have a very hard time overcoming my fears still. But I am very good nowadays. I had a very "fancy" job, but going back to school now. I have a wonderful boyfriend that I can reach out to and share my views on life, my insecurities, and fears... I would like to help other people too but still don't know where to start. If you can help me on that, please let me know.

Thank you for you time, Tyra.

Much much love,
Sophie

DEAR TYRA...FIRST OF ALL I LOVE ALL UR SHOWS...ALTHOUGH I DONT GET TO WATCH THE NEW EPISODES..FOR I LIVE IN THE MIDDLE EAST(LEBANON) AND ALL I GET TO WATCH ARE RERUNS..but still i watch u daily at 6pm(local time) TRYRA WE LOVE U SO MUCH...I WISH U CAN INTERACT WITH UR FANS IN THE ARAB WORLD..UR MY ROLL MODEL...KISSES

Hey there,
there are all sorts of free programs out there for people that dont have money. programs such as NA CA & AA that are free to those who want to change their lifes. I live in L.A. and completed a drug rehab program known as the Marylynn foundation, its free and i now have 10 years clean. Going into the program is the easiest part the staying clean is where you have to put work in. You will only stay clean if you want to and be commited. P.S. for those of you that want to go in to a place like promises, promises is now opening up a facility for women and children that will be absolutely free and it will not cost you a penny. I have insights.

Dear Tyra,

I watched the show on addiction and rehab, and I think any time a high profile show can get the message out to the public it's a good thing.

I have been sober for 12 years from drugs and alcohol. It was not an easy road for me but it is definatley the best thing that I ever did for myself.

I went through rehab at St Thomas Hospital in Akron, Ohio (where AA first started) I had a wonderful experience.

I just want to say that rehab is only a step to getting healthy.

Once out they need to find the right program for them, weather it's AA, NA, CA, etc. and work a 12 step program, get a sponcer and a homegroup. Get acctive in that homegroup.

Like I said I have been sober for 12 years, my husband still drinks to excess a few times a week, but I have to remember this is my program and hopefuly he will get to the point where he will want to get sober too.

Thank you for a wonderful show, I hope you do another show in the future on this subject.

Sincerely,
Becki

dear tyra
first off i need to say that i love you and your show and never miss a beat but i have to admit i felt alot of hard feelings when this show was aired i actually cried although you said addiction had no boundaries you still stressed the fact of celebrity and promises.Why dont you go into the rehabs that us middle to low class people have to go to where it is cold and sterile and you dont have a choice of sharing a room oh my god that should be peoples last concern Promises is a resort what about the people that have limited insurance that get kicked out of rehab in 3 days or the people that cant even have the option to get help or the fact that people and the government are sketchy on even helping addicts.I am a Mother of a 6 year old boy i am 26 years old and i am currently 16months sober due to a miracle drug in my eyes called suboxone..and my doctor now thats someone that you should profile he is a genuine caring person that sees addiction as it is a horrible disease...and you said you were glad it wasnt in your genes while that may be the case for some it isnt for everyone sometimes it just happens due to maybe trama or pain physical or mental..i think you showed one side of this you dont have any idea what it feels like just by going to Promises go to a place where they detox you tied to a bed or where there are big metal doors locking you onto a unit try that expose the real truth you felt bad for tara going thu it in public i wish i did because i would have had alot more people helping me see we are all alone i dont feel ashamed that i was an addict it wasnt something i wanted to be but it happened and i am better for what i went thru
i still have feelings of withdrawral and alot of anxiety but i am god fearing and i just hope that when i walk he walks with me please bring in people that dont have that option of alot of money at a fancy treatment center bring on the doctors that help people the regular people that society doesnt seem to care about...i think you are great i look at you for guidance as i am overweigth and you always say to be happy with yourself and your body your amazing but please look at this situation the number of addicts out there are crazy and this subject needs to be revisited and not with a celebrity look
get down to the grimy not so happy side of things thank you for hearing me ramble but i feel so passionate about this i have a group that my doctor puts on they are some people that you should look at they are strong but with many relapses or look at what it does to families
thanks for you time

dear tyra
first off i need to say that i love you and your show and never miss a beat but i have to admit i felt alot of hard feelings when this show was aired i actually cried although you said addiction had no boundaries you still stressed the fact of celebrity and promises.Why dont you go into the rehabs that us middle to low class people have to go to where it is cold and sterile and you dont have a choice of sharing a room oh my god that should be peoples last concern Promises is a resort what about the people that have limited insurance that get kicked out of rehab in 3 days or the people that cant even have the option to get help or the fact that people and the government are sketchy on even helping addicts.I am a Mother of a 6 year old boy i am 26 years old and i am currently 16months sober due to a miracle drug in my eyes called suboxone..and my doctor now thats someone that you should profile he is a genuine caring person that sees addiction as it is a horrible disease...and you said you were glad it wasnt in your genes while that may be the case for some it isnt for everyone sometimes it just happens due to maybe trama or pain physical or mental..i think you showed one side of this you dont have any idea what it feels like just by going to Promises go to a place where they detox you tied to a bed or where there are big metal doors locking you onto a unit try that expose the real truth you felt bad for tara going thu it in public i wish i did because i would have had alot more people helping me see we are all alone i dont feel ashamed that i was an addict it wasnt something i wanted to be but it happened and i am better for what i went thru
i still have feelings of withdrawral and alot of anxiety but i am god fearing and i just hope that when i walk he walks with me please bring in people that dont have that option of alot of money at a fancy treatment center bring on the doctors that help people the regular people that society doesnt seem to care about...i think you are great i look at you for guidance as i am overweigth and you always say to be happy with yourself and your body your amazing but please look at this situation the number of addicts out there are crazy and this subject needs to be revisited and not with a celebrity look
get down to the grimy not so happy side of things thank you for hearing me ramble but i feel so passionate about this i have a group that my doctor puts on they are some people that you should look at they are strong but with many relapses or look at what it does to families
thanks for you time

Promises wants all your money before they offer ANY advise let alone help.
I am sure they are a wonderful facility, if ONLY WE ALL HAD MONEY... :'(!!

Tyra, I am a big fan of your show (and of ANTM of course!) even though I don't get to watch it every day. However, when I saw on your site that you would be doing a show on addiction and rehab, I knew I had to watch it. After watching the show and now reading the comments on this page, there are so many things that I want to say.
First of all, I'd like to say that I'm so glad you decided to do this show! Even though addiction may be a sensitive subject, it is something that needs to be discussed openly because that is the only way those of us who suffer with this disease will know it is okay to ask for help. I am especially glad you stressed the fact that addiction knows no bounds. Like you said, people need to get over the idea that the only people with this disease are the homeless people you see pushing shopping carts and begging for money to buy booze. This idea was one of the things that prevented me from seeking help for my own addictions for so long. I thought that since I had a car and a job and didn't come from a broken home I couldn't possibly be an addict like "those people." I heard a fellow addict once say that addiction is the only disease that tries to convince you that you don't have it. I was not able to admit the truth until I met people I could identify with, people who were educated and successful, who also identified as addicts and alcoholics. The truth was that even though I may have had everything together on the outside, on the inside I was falling apart.
Two years ago when I was 19 and first trying to get clean, I made the decision to move into a sober-living home like the one on your show. While I was there I met many women from all different walks of life, but when it came down to it we were all suffering from the same illness.
Tyra, I think the most important message you sent in doing this show is that there is hope for even the most hopeless of addicts. As I was reading the comments my heart broke for those who seemed to be pleading for help. I just want to say to anyone who might read this that you don't need to go to a fancy rehab like Promises to get sober. These places, or any treatment facilies, sober living homes, or 12 step group for that matter, do not keep people sober. These places only help teach addicts the tools we need to stay sober. It is up to each individual addict to choose whether or not to use the tools learned in these programs. I think if you're brave enough to ask for help on a public website, you can benefit from any kind of help. I have been sober for over 2 years now and it has mainly been from regularly attending 12 step meetings and taking direction from addicts who have been sober longer, and most importantly by trusting in God's power and ability to hold me up when I don't have the strength to do it on my own.
My drinking and using may not have caused me to lose anything tangible, but it caused me to lose the most important part of me: my soul. For me, recovery has been a process of regaining my soul. I know I don't have all the answers. If I did I would have figured out how to get rid of addiction altogether. All I can do is share my experience, strength, and hope, and to thank you, Tyra, for doing so much to fight addiction by doing this show.

will i was once going thriugh that stage but i caught myself craving for alcohal and i thought that was really crazy. i came to a point where i be drivng by a liquire store and wanting to by meself a beer or a liquire. i some times check if i have money with me. ifi do i would get me one or two beer. i began to drink at to most four times a week, starting from wednesday to saturaday. the thing that made me stop was when i notice i started to look unhealthy and not so young. i was only 19 yrs old and i looked like i was 32. it didnt bother me much until one day my dad asked me where did all these beer can come from. there were two garbage that my dad had place for soda cans. most of it looked like it was just beer can. then i realized that most of tem are the kinds i drink. and at that moment i wanted more beer. i was scare. i started drinking because i went to a lot of house party and since then i've been craving for beer. i stopped myself from drinking by not going out to house party and clubs. i cant say i actually stop drinking but i do drink for specail occation, like christmass and valentines day. i wine about two glasses and stop after the second. now im 21 and over i regret drinking so much becuase have a beer belly and thats hard to lose. i have trouble remembering what happen at the age of 19, and 20 years. and thats sad!! will tyra i gotta go to my medical class. this is one thing that keeps me away from drugs and alcohal..

Dear Tyra,
Ok well I have an addiction, not a drug addiction. I was going to write this somewhere else but I could figure out where. First I would like to start by saying I absolutley love you, and I think you are so beautiful. Anyways my addiction is "cutting". I know most people don't think that it's one of those horrible addictions, but it is . I know it's bad , and I know I could definatly die from it, but I've been a "cutter" for 5 years, and it's just been getting progressivley worse and I don't know what to do, my parents and friends are worried. I've tried everything, except like facilitation, and I really dont want to , because of the cost. Thats the problem with all these addictions, you need money to get help and thats really not something my family has. Trust me I really do want to get help but it's so difficult. So i just thought maybe i dont know , you could do a show on like other less known addictions, and alternatives for getting help. PLEASE!!!
Love, Jenn

hello all, just wanted to say that we are looking for a treatment center for my sister and we saw your show today. however, upon calling promises, we were dismayed to find that they wanted $35,000 to start the program. she has no insurance and have very limited resources currently. So after watching tyra's show today, we had hope... but alas, none of it was true... you have to have money to get into promises or insurance that will pay thier fee. sadly, tyra helped maked the rich richer by giving them publicity. try to have a show on the true heroes out there, the social workers who bust thier butts for low pay and do it out of love in their hearts. those are the ones who are really selfless.

Dera Tryra,
i watched your show today about addiction. Although I really enjoy your program, I didn't notice anyone talk about Hepititus. I am an Addict who contracted Hep C from sharing a intervenous needle. My heptologist and I assume I contracted the liver Disese in 2002. My drug of Choice was Morpine, Hydro-Morphone and Dilladude. Although I have struggled with Speed, Cocaine and Crack. I am 23 years of age and my liver is healthy, I am currentlly undergoing treatment for my hepititus. I have to take pills twice a day, along with a redi-pen disposible needle once a week. The needle has interferon in it, the same drug that lukemia patients take. There is a 80 percent chance that my hepititus will eradicate within 6 monthes of treatment. I am blessed that there is a cure. But I am cursed that so many people dont have the proper knowledge of my Disease. I have a second chance of life. Now though, I have to be on Social Assistace to pay for my drugs, which would cost 1800 dollars a month. I simply can't afford it. I sometimes feel like a failure because I am not working, and It's hard for me to explain my situation.
So I hope you can let me or someone else inform the world that if you or someone you know have Hep C, there is hope. You can become "better".
Thank You For Your Time
K.B.

Well to start out my addictions, when i was 12 i started smoking cigarettes, when i was 13 i started smoking weed, when i was 14 i started drinking alot, i was up to 2 fifths a day, everyday. When i was 15 i started snorting adderall, which is a stimulant for ADD but if abused it acts like cocaine, when the adderall wasnt getting me satisfied i started doing cocaine, when i was 16 i started doing crystal meth. i got into alot of trouble as a juvenile and by the time i was 18 i realized that all my life i am going to be an addict to all those things. Currently i am 19 and i have been off drugs for almost 2 years now, but the drinking has got worse. I went through some stuff recently in march 2007 that changed my life more, i got raped by my ex-boyfriends cousin and the only thing i could do to get rid of the pain temporarily was to drink and take muscle relaxers and vicodin. but i am looking for a job now and its hard to get my life going. i dropped out of school when i was 17 and got my GED, i went to inpatient rehab at the age of 16. The rehab stay for me was 25 days, and then i went to outpatient for 6 months and now i know that drugs arent for me.. i can do better things without them in my life.. i am just scared that i will never get better with my addictions, and everyone i love is scared that i will die. or kill myself. i have also been on and off suicidal since i was 12.. I hope u can help me. I need something... thanks tyra!

Well to start out my addictions, when i was 12 i started smoking cigarettes, when i was 13 i started smoking weed, when i was 14 i started drinking alot, i was up to 2 fifths a day, everyday. When i was 15 i started snorting adderall, which is a stimulant for ADD but if abused it acts like cocaine, when the adderall wasnt getting me satisfied i started doing cocaine, when i was 16 i started doing crystal meth. i got into alot of trouble as a juvenile and by the time i was 18 i realized that all my life i am going to be an addict to all those things. Currently i am 19 and i have been off drugs for almost 2 years now, but the drinking has got worse. I went through some stuff recently in march 2007 that changed my life more, i got raped by my ex-boyfriends cousin and the only thing i could do to get rid of the pain temporarily was to drink and take muscle relaxers and vicodin. but i am looking for a job now and its hard to get my life going. i dropped out of school when i was 17 and got my GED, i went to inpatient rehab at the age of 16. The rehab stay for me was 25 days, and then i went to outpatient for 6 months and now i know that drugs arent for me.. i can do better things without them in my life.. i am just scared that i will never get better with my addictions, and everyone i love is scared that i will die. or kill myself. i have also been on and off suicidal since i was 12.. I hope u can help me. I need something... thanks tyra!

Well to start out my addictions, when i was 12 i started smoking cigarettes, when i was 13 i started smoking weed, when i was 14 i started drinking alot, i was up to 2 fifths a day, everyday. When i was 15 i started snorting adderall, which is a stimulant for ADD but if abused it acts like cocaine, when the adderall wasnt getting me satisfied i started doing cocaine, when i was 16 i started doing crystal meth. i got into alot of trouble as a juvenile and by the time i was 18 i realized that all my life i am going to be an addict to all those things. Currently i am 19 and i have been off drugs for almost 2 years now, but the drinking has got worse. I went through some stuff recently in march 2007 that changed my life more, i got raped by my ex-boyfriends cousin and the only thing i could do to get rid of the pain temporarily was to drink and take muscle relaxers and vicodin. but i am looking for a job now and its hard to get my life going. i dropped out of school when i was 17 and got my GED, i went to inpatient rehab at the age of 16. The rehab stay for me was 25 days, and then i went to outpatient for 6 months and now i know that drugs arent for me.. i can do better things without them in my life.. i am just scared that i will never get better with my addictions, and everyone i love is scared that i will die. or kill myself. i have also been on and off suicidal since i was 12.. I hope u can help me. I need something... thanks tyra!

Tyra, I watch your show whenever I can. I really love watching your show. I happened to be watching today when you talked about addiction. I am a addict and an alcoholic who has been clean for 16 years. I remember on a daily basis what happened to me so that I don't go back to that life. Addiction and what we do to get the alcohol and drugs never leaves us. We have to learn to live with knowing that we are changing for the better or else the guilt and shame of what we did will take us back. I will not allow myself to ever forget where I came from because I don't want to return to that terribe place of self-loathing. It was not easy for me to get clean and it was a difficult road that I had to travel to get where I am today. Today I love myself for who I am. I make mistakes and I have to move on. I learn from my experiences and go from there. I would love to meet you someday because I think that you are an amazing person and you help teens so that they can deelop the self esteem that I never had. I would like to be able to help young girls too. I would like to share with them so that they know that they are not alone.

You know Tyra I like your show but when you Interview people with money, I am going to tell you they will always have special priviledges with their ADDICTIONS. ADDICTIONS IS STIPUTLATIONS FOR ACTIONS THAT ARE TAKEN NO MATTER WHAT RICHNESS, RACE, SEXUALITY, COLOR, AND DECISIVENESS SHOULD BE. I AM MIDDLE CLASS ALWAYS STRUGGLED BUT ON TV IT SEEMS TO ME IF THEY SPEAK THERE MINDS, PAY A FINE AND PROMISE COMMUNITY SERVICE IT IS ENOUGH.
OUT of RESPECT TYRA YOU ARE DOING NOTHING FOR PEOPLE THAT TEND TO TRY AND TRY AND TRY TO GET HELP WITH DETOX AND STIPULATIONS ARE PLEADING FOR FOCUS IN OUR LIVES NOT MONEY OR FOUNDATIONS SUPPOSEDLY ONLY HARD LOVE CAN BE GIVEN BY IDEA. I SEE YOU TRY TO MAKE A POINT BUT COME TO AREAS THAT GET NO HELP! !!!!! AND LITERALLY HAVE TO BE DYING BEFORE ANY ATTENTION IS GIVEN BUT WITH MONEY IT TENDS TO ERASE THE TRUE MEANING OF HOW REHABILITATION WORKS.

Tyra, I watch your show everyday. I love watching and I really loved your show on addiction. I am an addict. I have been clean for almost a year now. It will be a year at the end of the month. I am a mother, I have a 4 year old daughter and I had a son last june that I gave up for adoption. It is still hard everyday for me, I have cravings. I almost lost my daughter and that is what really made me get help. We aren't bad people we just make bad decisions. I am trying to pick up my life and get back on track. But it is hard when people like me that doesn't have any money. But I do what I can. But it just seems like no one wants to help us addicts. I feel like since I am an addict I will never be able to get a good job, cause I also have a record. I wanted to tell you I love your shows and I especially love the one today and addiction. I know what those women go through. It is a very hard struggle. Please keep us in your prayers. I love you Tyra and you are a wonderful person. My daughter and I would love to meet you someday!!!

Tyra HELP ME. IAM A MOTHER OF 4, AND I AM AN ALCOHOLIC, AND I CANT STOP. I NEED YOUR HELP. PLEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEI HAVE WRITTEN BEFORE, I NEED HELP OR I WILL DIE. IHAVE LOST MY CHILDREN. PLEASE, I AM BEGGIN YOU. I AM BEGGING YOU. PLEASE TYRA, I WATCH U EVERYDAY. PLEASE CALL ME BACK.