Uigingeach, A cautionary tale about finding an alternative. I went straight from alcohol to opiates. Thought I had found God or something. I loved that stuff. I was way, way wrong. I was strung out on opiates for six years before I'd finally had enough. I am on day 10, drug and alcohol free after a long, slow, painful taper. (to say it was HELL, HELL and more HELL, is the very least). My detox is still not over and I don't even know who I am without some chemical sloshing around in there. But I am so glad to be off that stuff. I'm free at last. Starting to look in the mirror and see who's there. I wish you the very best. Is it true you are very young? I got that impression. Don't be like me and waste your God-given life. Good luck. And be tough but compassionate with yourself. You deserve every good thing there is. And it's not alcohol and drugs.