[Host] When you quit misusing prescription drugs, it may not always be easy to stay on track.
You may hit rough spots that make it hard to remember why you started this journey and that threaten to send you back into misuse.
[Jett] "I got some dental work done, and the dentist gave me a prescription for an opiate in case I had pain.
Well I didn't say a word about my problem.
Just marched out of there and hopped in my car, ready to head to the drugstore.
It was exciting.
I felt like a little kid who got away with something sneaky."
[Misty] "It was the end of the semester, and I was studying with a couple of friends.
One of them pulled out a bottle of Ritalin and offered it to us.
He didn't know my history.
He didn't think he was doing anything wrong.
And this voice in my head said, 'If you just take a couple, you'll get so much done.' "
[Host] The fact is, prescription drugs are everywhere and so is the temptation to start using them again.
[Jett] "Lucky thing I have a sticker in my car It reminds me to take it one day at a time.
Sometimes it's just *ten minutes* at a time.
That's how long it took to call my sponsor and talk it through.
I went back and told the receptionist why I can't take opiates and I asked her to put it in my chart and to tell the dentist.
Maybe in the future he'll ask some questions before he prescribes that medicine.
Opiates almost ruined my life.
I'm not going to let that happen again."
[Misty] "For a second I froze.
But my girlfriend knew about my problem.
She said, 'No thanks' and suggested we go get coffee.
I don't think I would have taken any but sometimes I still have that voice in my head.
It was like my friend held the door for me, so I could go through the right one.
It made me glad I told the people I'm close to so they can help me remember not to let them or myself down."
[Host] These people had close calls.
But even if you've slipped up and taken a few pills, you can get back on track.
Every slip-up is a chance to remember why you quit and to learn how to do better next time.
And every new day is a chance to recommit to a life where you're in control.
So, have you been in a situation where the drug you used was offered or available?
What did you learn that can help you keep going?