Frequently asked questions and Comments
What's the WHOLE story?
I may never know exactly what happened as I obviously don't remember and everyone involved took off. I drove to Palm Springs to meet up with a group of friends at a party in a hotel ballroom. I went up to their room and a toast was called to celebrate the New Year and everyone grabbed drinks. Apparently I picked up the container with non diluted GHB. For lack of a better analogy, the same as drinking from a vodka bottle instead of the mix drink. While downing mine, I noticed mine tasted funny. After realizing I drank from the GHB bottle, which wasn't labeled for the reason that it's illegal, I attempted to throw up but passed out. The belief was that I'd sleep it off and wake up fine. Thus, everyone left the room to attend the party. While at the event downstairs, someone over heard what had happened and came up to the room and saw that I had stopped breathing. He dialed 911 and started CPR while screaming for help. An EMT unit was already on the floor and arrived to assist.
What happened to your friends?
Good question! Well they returned to Los Angeles and left me at the hospital. They told a friend and he called my parents.
What kind of friends were these to just leave?
I'd like to believe that nobody knows how they would react had they been in that situation. Although I didn't always feel this way nevertheless I've taken ownership for my actions and blame nobody. Perhaps I was at the wrong place at the wrong time doing the wrong things with the wrong people.
Why put this story on You Tube?
I posted the video to answer the question, "What happened?" I NEVER intended to play the victim role or act as some GHB expert. Besides if I had been one then I would've avoided that crap.
What do you want to say to the GHB users that have commented?
Go do what you want to do because you'll do it anyway. Sorry you feel the way you do towards me (I've left the majority of comments but removed the explicit and vulgar. After all you don't know me). I've been called worse by far better people.
What about those that have sent best wishes and the like?
A HUGE thank you! Seriously, to think you've taken time from your life to write is a blessing. Thanks for understanding my past, believing in my future, and accepting me, today, just the way I am! I make an effort to reply to all messages and comments with questions.
What's the prognosis for a full recovery?
I'm an optimist as well as a realist, so unless stem cell research receives funding or moral acceptance it's unlikely I'll be 100%. However, that doesn't mean I can't keep improving. Seriously doubt if I'll be surfing anytime soon.
How do you use the computer, if you have vision issues?
I utilize the computer with software, JAWS, that reads the screen. I'm able to see graphics, large photos, shapes, and colors.
Has your speech improved?
Yes. I'm about 80% understandable. I'm still slow and at times my thoughts come faster than my muscles can move. In spite of this I wouldn't need sub titles today.
How's your walking?
I use a walker and currently learning crutches.
A New Orleans station (WDSU-Channel 6) covered this story on me (Slade) five months after a drug overdose from GHB. Although my current condition has improved drastically since this story ran (May 2002), I continue going to rehabilitation & therapy.
Tags: Slade GHB Drugs Therapy Brain Injury
