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May 24, 2010

Dick Beardsley is a marathon legend. He is most famous for his showdown with Alberto Salazar in the 1982 Boston Marathon. What many do not know is that he dealt with an addiction to painkillers which he has since survived. The athlete is now inspiring others to face their own addictions, reports ROCnow.com.

After his running career ended, Beardsley was involved in a few farming and vehicle accidents which led to his addiction to pain killers. When he was caught forging a prescription, he realized he needed to make changes in his life. He entered a drug treatment program in which he learned how to manage his back pain without the aid of prescription drugs.

He now travels the country and speaks about leading a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

"You realize how good life is without all that medication floating around inside you," he told the news source.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has an extensive database on topics relating to drug addiction and abuse. They have information for addicts and their family members about overcoming addiction.

According to NIDA, one in ten high school students reported using vicodin for non-medical purposes in 2009.

Drug addiction does not go away on its own. Individuals struggling with substance abuse should seek professional help. Drug treatment and therapy can be administered at in- or out-patient rehabilitation facilities. Medication may also be prescribed to ease the process of withdrawal.

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