YOUR COMMENTS

I thought God kept Alcohholics sober not Spoffords.........what is this about Spofford's method? The method has been in the big book for 60 years.
- Dr. Bob rolling in grave, NH

BA from Derry,

you are 100% right. Putting drug addicts in jail does not work. Mr Spofford's story is one of personal triumph and true capitalism. Yes Capitalism; he started the successful operation which has triumphed where the government has failed.

Can anyone argue that the war on drugs has fallen flat on its face? We spend billions in dollars every year to incarcerate people whose only cirme is drug possesion. The result is wasted money, overcrowded prisons, ruined lives and a lucrative incentive to import illegal drugs.

When someone like OFficer Jardis in Epping stands up and tells us that the laws are not working we should listen. The government failed, yet Mr Spofford hit the ball out of the park. He did not stop people from doing drugs, he gave them the keys to the door out of addiction. It was there choice to walk through it. If our prisons were freed of people comvicted of nothing more than drug possesion we could keep the violent offenders in for 100% of their sentence. 4 Seattle police officers might even be alive today if hardened criminals were not released multiple times from prison to make room for others convicted only of drug possesion.

I am not arguing that drugs are good. I am only arguing that we as a nation have failed to combat drugs with our laws.
- Michael Layon, Derry

This was a great article and I hope it inspires more places like it. And maybe the community can pitch in to help. The drug problems across the country need to be addressed and it is good to see something like this is out there to help. The program sounds realistic and someone that has been there can truly relate to what addicts are feeling. Addiction is a disease, and it seems people are starting to see this. Once they are addicted it takes over and although I do not excuse any crimes, I think we need more programs like this. I think it will be a great success and hope we can help in some way. This is the answer to reducing drug related crimes, or at least in part. And I do think this form of treatment has a much greater chance of being successful. It is the right way to do it. Hats off to you young man and I wish you much success!!
- Stacey, Manchester

As a recovering opiate addict with 16 months sobriety - - can say first hand how painful and seemingly impossible addiction is. Thank you Eric for this inspirational story! Opiate abuse is an epidemic in this country and is something that needs to be openly talked about! This problem is getting worse not better.
- Susan, Manchester

Kudos to The Union Leader for coverage of this effort, and to you and your backers, Eric, for creating this resource. The physiological effects of substance abuse on an individual and those that love him or her are great. How good that you offer support for family members, too. The toll on immediately affected people is merely heavy. The sociological and economic impact on New Hampshire is an immense burden.
- Lisa Peakes/Friends of Recovery NH, Manchester

Eric,

You Rock! and your Father is the best. Keep it up.
- Drew, Londonderry

A nice story. Keep up the good work Mr. Spofford.
- G. Paul, Concord

Thank you UL for running this story. I have frequently commented that there is a major heroin epidemic in the Northeast. Please continue to enlighted your readers about the severity of this epidemic.

My 19 yr old sister started with Oxy and escalated to full heroin addict within a matter of 6 months. She stole at least 10K (probably even more) from family members and committed numerous other crimes to feed her habit. My mother - like many others in her position - couldn't phathom the severity of the situation. My mother suffered a nervous breakdown before it was all said and done. Numerous interventions and rehab stints eventually worked, but the system was against us all the way.

Thank you Eric! You are a life saver - literally. I hope more will follow in your footsteps.
- Anonymous, Seacoast Area

Thank you to both Eric and his Father. Eric, for your Father to step up and help you after your own tragic journey says quite a bit. Your character and belief in others was definitely taught to you by your family. Maybe the road you travelled was dark, but maybe you were meant to follow that dark road so you could better see the bright side.
- DJ, Amherst, NH

My husband is a addict and has struggeld for years now. The worest thing that he says he has done is he has hurt his family and let us down. I will be here for him forever. I know that he a good person and that the drugs have tried to take over his soul. His families love will keep him here with us. It's all about hope and faith in programs like these.

Thank you Eric for giving people the chance to have there lives back.
- Kristen, Manchester

This story is truely inspirational. Being around the same age as Eric, I see friends who fall down the wrong road. You can only hope that they find the stregnth to get the help they need. Not everyone does and this is just reassuring that there is hope and others out there that go through things like this. Keep up the great work Eric and making a difference to so many lives.
- Monica, Derry, NH

Way to go Eric! You are truly paying it forward. Who better to help those who need to get back on their feet than someone who has been there and found his own way through. Good luck!
- Rose, Manchester

Great Job! In a State where there are little resources which grow thinner every day it's nice to see stories about people who care.

The 1 in 33 figure scares me.

I have been the victim of one attempted home invasion and 3 thefts, all by people who are addicted.

Putting them in jail does NOT work! maybe this will.
- BA, Derry

This is inspirational! Congratulations, and keep up the great work!
- David, Manchester

Eric,
Keep up the great work !
- Joe Riley, Portland, Maine

Eric this is a great thing you are donig! I cannot say how much I support this type of project.

I think the estimate on a wait time of 30 days is optimistic at best, it is generally months even if you have insurance or money in the bank. I personally have known people who have died while waiting to get into a rehab facility.

Helping people to get sober and stay sober is such an incredibly worth while cause. It eliminates crime, gets people off of public support, puts families back together... the list goes on and on.

In my opinion, there is no better way to deal with the drug & alcohol problem this country faces. Unfortunately, many people do not realize how few resources are availble out there for people suffering from addiction.

Way to go Eric, glad to see you are out there making a difference!
- Chris, Keene