Former addict speaks to health classes about hepatitis, STDs, drugs

By Nancy Natividad

For 13 months ‘Aunt Evelyn’ — a former junkie — has stayed clean from the hardball drug methamphetamine. Now ‘Aunt Evelyn’ — who goes by that pseudonym for legal reasons — helps those who have the same addiction that she was stuck with for more than 25 years.

“If you pick up anything like crank or cocaine, you’re going to get addicted,” said Aunt Evelyn. “But there’re ways to get off of it.”

On May 6, Aunt Evelyn — along with another speaker who went by the pseudonym ‘Laura,’ — came to Mary Critchlow’s health class to tell about their own experiences with speed and heroin and the ordeals of their lives.

“I felt it was about time to have a speaker that says what to do if you use,” said one junior. “And what not to do instead of saying ‘Just say no.’”

Aunt Evelyn recounted various things such as her desperate need to satisfy her addiction, her drug-house experiences and the violence that crank brought out in her.

“We used to steal snowblowers for money,” said Aunt Evelyn.

The real approach of the speaker was effective for the message to the students.

“I appreciate the fact that she didn’t blame anything,” said junior Joe Sarasua. “She knew she chose to live the life she led.”

With the examples Aunt Evelyn used, such as drug house incidents and withdrawal, students of the health class were reminded of their own experiences.

“I realized how much it messed up our (family’s) life,” said an anonymous student. “I used to want to try shrooms until I saw my friend freak out.”

Aunt Evelyn shared precautions and safety measures for students who choose to use drugs.

“Don’t share needles,” she said. “STDs get passed around in a group. It only takes one.”

Aunt Evelyn has a street outreach line that can be reached through the Family Planning clinic. The outreach is non-judgemental and intended for people who need help, she said.

“While I’m clean, I’m useful,” said Aunt Evelyn. “While I’m clean, I care. My life has meaning and purpose.”

With the guest speaker in health class, one senior had flashbacks to a close relative’s drug problems.

“It got to me because I’ve seen what she was going through,” said Williams. “I wouldn’t even touch it (drugs) because I saw what it does to you.”

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