How Anonymous Do You Want To Be?

[spring]

Regarding your Profile Information;

I notice that many people use their real first and last names while registering. These names stay in your profile and can be viewed by any other registered member.

I just want to let you all know that it is not necessary to use your real name, especially your last name, unless you choose to. In fact, it is not necessary to give out any info if you dont want to.

Personally, I like to see people list the state they live in tho. It's interesting to see how many of us are scattered all around this country, and across the ocean too...UK, Aussies, India, and many more.

For anyone who wants their real names removed or changed(in their profiles)....you can either do it yourself by changing your profile info or you can let me know and I will do it for you.

Same goes for your user name....that is the name that shows up when you post a message. Some members unwittingly end up with their real names showing up as the author of their posts and didnt intend it.

Just post me a request or email me and I will be happy to help with changes if anyone needs it.

Registration Info

Registration is not required to view the Forums; however, if you wish to post a new topic or reply to an existing topic, registration is required.

Registration is free and only takes a few minutes. The only required fields are your Username, which may be your real name or a nickname(STRONGLY recommended), and a valid e-mail address.

The information you provide during registration is not outsourced or used for any advertising by Opiate Detox and Recovery.

If you believe someone is sending you advertisements as a result of the information you provided through your registration, please notify us immediately.

Originally Posted by mom2arl

Thanks for everything you all do here. You all have helped me so much. I'm sure it's a lot of work to keep up with everything. Just wanted you to know what a great place this is!!!!!
Kathi

Originally Posted by mas215

Thanks for the info. You're right, I like seeing where people are from, but the last name isn't necessary - Thanks for the reminder. Marc

Originally Posted by Allgood

very important, thanks for the reminder Spring.

[spring]

quote:Originally posted by ashley80

Make sure your profile doesn't include any info that can identify who you are and where you live. And when posting...don't include any info that might specifically identify you, that's all. Keep that stuff in emails with trusted board friends.

Just use caution and you won't have any problems. And, it might be a good idea for ALL of us to change our passwords every now and then...that's just good cyber-sense.

quote:Originally posted by girlinterupted

You never know who is reading these boards and you should keep yourself as anonymous as possible.
All i care about is being a supportive listener and helping one another.I really don't care who you are.names don't mean a thing around here.Namaste'

quote:Originally posted by Kindred

I guess there are predators everywhere - I know they hang out in 12-step groups, so it makes sense that they lurk on these kinds of forums.

quote:Originally posted by spring

After we're here for awhile, we tend to get comfortable and let our guard down. Try to remember that this is cyberworld.

Communicating with others from the board via email is one thing, but giving out your phone numbers, addresses, and private personal information can come back to bite you.
I have seen this happen over and over again and not just on this board.

Please be careful, use caution and common sense when talking offline with people you meet via the net.

[spring]

Posters Beware November 15, 2004

quote:Originally posted by Seachelle

Hello, I just wanted to warn you guys about a very strange phone call I recieved last night, a person asked for me by name, and then said, "this is the California Narcotics Officer" then I heard a lot of noise and talking in the background and then disconnect. It was sort of disconcerting as I had just posted a lengthy story on here and I also posted all my
personal information ( I since have gone back and deleted it!) Talk about making us more paranoid.. LOL
I was wondering if anyone else has recieved anything like this? Any body else gotten any wierd phone calls lately? thanks and be safe!

Hi Seachelle,
It could have very well been a crank call.

1) If the narcs were looking for you, I doubt they would identify themselves.

2) California is a BIG state. Narcotics burueas have their own designated areas, divided by state, county, city, some are even subdivided from there.

3)The same with the Feds. They have their own districts to work within.

If you put your whole name, first and last, and city & state in your profile, it's not that hard for someone to look you up. Some idiots have nothing better to do than to screw with people.

Your post is a good example though, of just one of many things that could happen.

And now is as good a time as any to post this note of caution to all, some thngs that have been on my mind:

BEWARE:

As of 11/04 we have grown from 100 members to 1500 members in a matter of 18 months, but quantity doesnt mean s**t.

The "quality" of some of what's being written is what I am fast becoming disturbed about.

We are a public board. It is not only the addicts who gather here, but also Drs, therapists, pharm reps, you name it.

I mean, face it, there is a wealth of info and knowledge on these pages.....most of it being personal, experiental knowledge which makes it even more valuable to some.

Along with those visitors I mentioned above you can add a variety of police agencies...from the local deputy of Mayberry up to the feds and the DEA.

A lot of what is posted here isn't all legit and legal stuff...from Dr. shopping to buying heroin on the street to what the latest going street prices are for RX pain meds.

This is not a social meeting place for those who are high, still using without plans to stop any time in the near future...or for those seeking info on "how" to use a drug, looking up a pill, etc.

It puts knots in my stomach when I read the ramblings of someone who is under the influence. And it's not hard to tell.

It makes me cringe when I have to read someone's blow by blow description of how much trouble they had shooting up their hit last nite.
Or how their dealer sold them some garbage, etc.
Or someone asking a question on how to shoot or snort Suboxone.

Also the war stories, they have their place......and IMO that place would be within the recovering addicts' story after a year(?)clean under their belt. IMO...That is the only time war stories are beneficial, to compare how far an addict has come since then.

Those of us who are literally fighting for our lives day after day do not want or need to be reading this type of stuff.

One last thing:
This board was fashioned to accomodate people who are in the grips of addiction and are struggling to get out.... along with a source for support and encouragement during recovery.

Tho we are titled "Opiate Detox", we are not suggesting you take your detox into your own hands or put it into one of our board members hands.
Seek a professional to help you thru your detox, and then seek even more professional help to guide you thru your early recovery.

Face it, If we could detox ourselves, we would have done it a long time ago and wouldn't be searching the net for answers.

Sorry if I stepped on any toes or hurt any feelings. All I can say is ....if the shoe fits....

And as for the original poster whom I quoted....thank you for allowing me to hijack it for this purpose. Your scary experience was a perfect example of how out of control things are becoming. I really think you have nothing to worry about tho I would be extra cautious for the next few days. Some have gotten wierd emails often in the past, but I'm not sure about phone calls....Anyone?

[spring]

Originally posted by girlinterupted
I just have a feeling it was a prank call.They knock on your door.they don't give you a friendly heads up phone call.
BUT
this is good advice to follow.you never know who is reading these boards and you should keep yourself as anonymous as possible.
I agree with everything you said and i don't care for reading in detail how someone is shotting up either or not or whatever.all i care about is being a supportive listener and helping one another.I really don't care who you are.names don't mean a thing around here.
this is a good sticky.

quote: Originally posted by ashley80
Make sure your profile doesn't include any info that can identify who you are and where you live. And when posting...don't include any info that might specifically identify you, that's all. Keep that stuff in emails with trusted board friends.
Otherwise, please don't worry about it. It was likely a prank call...just use caution and you won't have any problems. And, it might be a good idea for ALL of us to change our passwords every now and then...that's just good cyber-sense.

quote: Originally posted by Kindred
I guess there are predators everywhere - I know they hang out in 12-step groups, so it makes sense that they lurk on these kinds of forums. Spring, your post on this topic made me get tears in my eyes. Yes, this is a loving place. I've been here around two weeks, and I actually look forward to my time here. Thanks for this forum.

quote: Originally posted by spring
Welcome to the board Kindred. I am happy to see that new people are still finding us on the net more and more everyday.

Just a note to add to my first post in this thread....I want to make sure that those who are still in active addiction know that they are welcomed here with open arms.

All you need to bring with you is a "desire" to stop.....