Drug Addiction Stories

We had a lot of fun that summer. Journey was touring and they were playing right next to where our carnival was set up. My sister and I were fifteen and sixteen and we were thrilled that Journey was touring. Then came the news. After the carnival closed, we would be letting them in so they could enjoy the carnival on their own without having to worry about fans hounding them.

There was a carnie that summer I was crushing on. He was cute but our dad told us to stay clear of him. We only worked the carnival in the summertime and we loved it but we were in school the rest of the year and Dad and Mom were back at work doing their jobs.

The carnie, his name was Dave, talked me and my sister into going into his RV. The other guys were drinking and they had some white powdery stuff. Although we were “carnies”, our parents were quite protective and we did not really know what that was. Still, I wanted to seem cool to Dave so I tried it. My sister, being uncomfortable, slipped away and back to our RV. I had no idea I was on the verge of ending my own journey through life.

That was all I remembered until I woke up the next morning in the hospital. I had taken too much and having never had it before, nearly died from the overdose. I missed seeing Journey up close.

My sister had told my parents what was going on and my dad had rushed over which is why the paramedics and doctors think I made it. We never played at being carnies again after that summer of 79. My dad wanted us to stay home and his enjoyment as a carnie.

I grew up, became a mom and one of my own kids experienced with drugs and was soon addicted. When he came home high one night I told him about how his aunt saved my life the one time I took a hardcore drug. He looked over at his aunt as if to have her verify it. She was in town visiting and staying with us. I think the timing was meant to be.

My son agreed to get help and is doing well now. He has a great job and is getting married soon. However, when I see a carnival or I hear a song on the radio by Journey, my mind goes back to my own journey the summer of 79 and I am grateful that thanks to my sister, I was able to grow up and become a parent.