On 17th Street ] July 28, 2005 Photos on 17th Street Let's Talk Banner ] Comments

From 8:00 until 11:00 pm, on July 28th, I stood in front of the hardware store on 17th Street. With banners unrolled, I faced the hundreds of people who crossed on the sidewalk in front of me, with friends and coworkers beside me. Many people stopped to read the banners. Many asked questions including: "What's Tina?"; "What's Manhunt?"; "Why are you doing this?"; "Are you going to stop?"; "Are you getting help?". We found a wide range of responses from people who know nothing about it, to people who have been though recovery for intense use. I was yelled at by people telling me that I need goals and dreams for my future, or else I'll end up dead by the time I'm 30. I had people tell me that I must be HIV positive, based on my risk and symptoms. I had people tell me that this is courageous and very needed. One of the most telling remarks from the night was from a man who is very involved in DC drug culture, who said "In 5 years Dupont Circle will be a ghetto. I've seen people give their cars for this shit. I've seen people give their houses for this shit. At $240/gram, this is white people crack!" We passed out more than 500 "Let's Talk about Crystal Meth" stickers. People up and down the street were talking about it. One guy said, "Man you sobered me up real quick." I want to thank the friends who came to stand with me and talk to people: Natalie, Jason, Deana, Juliellen, A.J., and C.J. (who took pictures). Thank you for engaging people, being a witness to my experience, and giving credibilty to the sincerity of my effort and the reality of my situation. I have completed my initial committment to myself to come this far. It has not been without risk and there are things I need to do to halt drug use and get physical, mental, and emotional help. My next steps include attending Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) meetings (which I will begin 7/29). Enrolling in an addiction treatment program through Whitman Walker Clinic. Getting a full physical including STD testing (crystal meth affects the heart, brain and liver). Contributing to a Social Marketing workgroup through The Center. And participating in healthy weekend and evening activities with friends and coworkers. I am considering training for the Marine Corp Marathon, as it will make me get out and run every weekend. Or looking for another hobby to do with people. Confronting weekend boredom, and nurturing non-sexual relationships are key. I also need to not burn myself out on being proactive. These are things that support groups and addition counseling can address. To other users, I would say "Observe yourself. Think about who you want to be. We are just normal, sweet, caring, handsome guys." One man on the street, who has been in my shoes, yelled at me, telling me to change the message on my shirt. I did. I took it off, put it on the ground, crossed out "I USE Crystal Methamphetamine, and replaced it with "I DONT NEED Crystal Methamphetamine." That act, for myself, was a personal decision and committment. I don't need it to be happy, to have fun, to be fulfilled. Thank you, man in the yellow shirt, for making me face that truth. chad@chadupham.com

Comments ] July 29, 2005

Hey Chady!! I just wanted to let you know that I feel very proud of you for what you have done tonight. It's very brave of you to be standing there, listen to people, their opinions, suggestions and being judged by them. On my way back home I was just remember every comment we heard tonight from those strangers, there were so many reactions about this topic. I'm so glad you have realized this problem this soon, and like I told you before you can count on me for whatever you need. Te quiero mucho!! Besos y Abrazos AJ