Another thing I do is keep my self busy with books and music.
I tend to seek out things that inspire me to stay off the dope and move forward with my life in a positive manner.
A couple books I've read recently:

"A million Little Pieces" by James Frey. It's an addiction/rehab memoir. He rejects the 12 step method of recovery and tends to use Taoism as the basis of recovery. It's a good read, both interesting and inspiring.

Several books by and about CG Jung. He's a psychologist that worked with Freud for a bit then branced out on his own. He covers addiction some. But what appealed to me is the way the maps out the psyche. His insights and studies have helped me understand better why I am how I am. It's also giving me new ideas on how to deal with some of my struggles and issues.

"Junky" and "Naked Lunch" by William S. Burroughs. This stuff is not for the faint of heart. But they give good insight to heroin and drug addiction in general. "Junky" is an account of a heroin addict in the 1950's If I recall correctly. "Naked Lunch" can be difficult to follow. The introduction and a section at the end of the books give some interesting views on addiction. But like I said, it's not for the faint of heart. It is, at times, vulgar and shocking...but so is addiction.

Right now I'm reading "Cash" by Johnny Cash. Honestly, I don't care much for it. He does tell of his addictions and overcoming them. I just don't care for his style of writing. I'd rather listen to his music.

I love music, all kinds.
One album that I really like is "The 13th Step" by A Perfect Circle. It's a loose concept album that deals with addiction/recovery. The single "Weak and Powerless" is open to interpretation but I think it's specifically about heroin addiction. The last song called "Gravity" I find very inspiring and beautiful.

I've been listening to alot of Jazz music as well. John Coltrane was an incredible musician that overcame his heroin addiction and created incredible music.

I also like to research other ex-junkies that have moved on and have led productive lives after their bout with addiction.
A few come to mind:
Perry Farrell and Dave Navarro from Janes Addiction,
John Frusciante from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Iggy Pop
John Coltrane
Miles Davis

There are also tragedies that can be attributed to addiction
Kurt Cobain
John Belushi
Jimi Hendrix

I don't know, Just killing some time and thought I'd share some things that have helped me along in dealing with my struggles of addiction.

SO

Sean, I like any song that talks about "taking something on" or things to that effect. I find System of a Down's Toxicity album very helpful, especially the song "Needles". Check it out. They are kinda heavy for some people, but that is my sickness - heavy music.[}]

What I've heard of System of a Down I really like. I'll definately check it out. I've read some interviews with those guys. They're very intelligent and take on some serious issues. I dig em. I like heavy music, especially if it carries a strong message.

I kind of figured when I saw that you liked A Perfect Circle. I also noticed that Tool had an album called Opiate. I dunno if it's for or against, so I can't recommend it, but it does exist. Also, whether for or against, I dunno, but there is a group called "Thebaine" who made an album called "We Sold Our Souls for Hydrocodone". Music helps kill a *lot* of time, especially downloading.[}] Just be sure to get Kazaa Lite K++ if you are gonna download. That'll keep RIAA off your back.

Black Sabbath back in the day! I love heavy music as well. Mr. Bungle!! Another fave. Butthole Surfers...whoo hoo.

I love reading Burroughs. 'Junky' is my favorite. Hunter S. Thompson is great as well.

Actually the Tool album Opiate has a song by the same name that is about religion. A famous quote by Karl Marx is "Religion is the opiate of the masses" I know their song "Undertow" is suppossedly about addiction, and H may be about Heroin but theres all sorts of theories on that one.
I've used Kazaa in the past, but I'm on dialup right now...so it's not really an option.
I really dig the Butthole Surfers and I love Bungle. I like just about anything Mike Patton has a part in. And Sabbath, that just goes without saying. I've only read a little of Thompsons stuff, I'll pick up some up my next trip to the library

Wow!
I have a hard time finding Mike Patton fans (especially being female...women generally hate that stuff...well, the ones I know anyhow)! Or, Michelus Pattonus, as I believe he calls himself.

Faith No More was great, too. But, Mr. Bungle is just so nuts! Have you heard Tomahawk? I haven't and I'm curious how it is.

Hunter S. Thompson is just great stuff. Enjoy!

Yeah, I've downloaded a couple Tomahawk songs. It's pretty good stuff. I also have a cd called "Adult themes for voice" it's Patton by himself. Some of it is pretty ammusing, most of it is just hard to listen to. I agree, Bungle is far better than Faith no More. I also have some stuff he's done with John Zorn that's pretty out there.

Yeah, I'm not of fan of Patton's solo disjointed music and talk singing, or just strange sounds, either.

But, the rest I love.

I love the 1980's King Crimson. With Adrien Belew and Tony Levin...and BRUFORD! SO heavy. Fripp rules to me.

I've only recently gotten into King Crimson. I'm not real familiar with them. That's something else I can further investigate. I pretty familiar with Belew's work with Zappa. I love Zappa. I've read tons about Fripp. Haven't a clue on BRUFORD. I'll check it out.

Heh, Zappa cracks me up. That is excellent for laughter to get those endorphins flowing again. Thanks for the info on the Tool album! You are both talking about Bungle - I'm gonna check it out when I get home from work tonight. I have missed a *lot* in music. I have noticed there are new albums by Korn, Sevendust, Adema, and many more. I was always listening to the metal station on XM Satellite Radio, but now they have just a hard rock station which is really cool.

HEY GUYS, HOW ABOUT MARILYN MANSON, I DONT LIKE THE DRUGS BUT THE DRUGS LIKE ME, SO TRUE!!! ANYWAY I FIND THAT THE ANGER AND REALISM IN HIS WORDS AND THE HEAVINESS OF THE MUSIC HELPS ME. MAYBE THATS JUST ME. [?] THANKS FOR THE GREAT SUGGESTIONS!! FREE[8D]

Rodigo I love Tool! I have seen them live a few times. I also really like a Perfect Circle. In 2000 I saw them and Nine inch Nails in Pittsburgh and in Cleveland. That is the beauty of living where I do I am an hour and a half to Pittsburgh, Cleveland, or Buffalo. I too like Marlyn Manson mostly because he is so daring to be himself. My favorite all time band is the Grateful Dead. I saw over thirty shows in the early 90's. I can't wait until summer so I can go see some live music. The last two I have been too ****ed up so I can't wait!