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January/February 2002 Alternative Health
Breaking Free from Addiction
The Alternative Way

by Malcolm Smith

Robert Holton has been addicted to methamphetamine since age 13. A self-taught artist and musician, Robert has lived literally on the street most of his life, selling intricate line drawings to support his habit. Three months ago, at age 40, he decided to give going clean one last try. But this time, he found himself at the steps of the Portland Alternative Health Center (PAHC), where he enrolled in a program which included both acupuncture and treatment by classical homeopathy.

The homeopathy, in his words, "gave me a completely different feeling about myself. For the first time in my life, the pull to check out and do speed just isn’t there any more."

Homeopathy is a form of natural medicine that addresses the whole person rather than just specific symptoms. Unlike conventional medicines such as antidepressants which suppress emotions and feelings, homeopathy allows the patient to access the deep emotional wounds which have been the source of perhaps years of dysfunction, depression or addiction.

Of the approximate 150 homeopathic medicines which treat addiction, only one would be a perfect match for Robert. A two hour interview with a naturopathic student at PAHC was required to find this match, and the medicine prescribed was chosen to address not only Robert’s addiction issue, but the emotional scarring of having been told by his parents at 13 to leave his home and not return.

"I don’t feel like this loser that nobody wants to be around. People like who I am, and really seem to enjoy my art and music. So why should I get high? I’ve got too much to do, too much time to make up for."

Eric Ceila, owner of Coffee Time on NW 21st, always recognized Robert’s musical talent and used to listen to him sing and play guitar out on the sidewalk. He’d also bought his art and even commissioned him to paint the main Coffee Time sign out front. But Eric stopped working with him when he realized all the money Robert earned was going to purchase “meth.”  When Eric recently learned that Robert was clean, he invited him back to perform at Coffee Time and use the walls as a gallery to show his work at the January 2002 "First Thursday."

A pair of glasses paid for by the Lion’s club, and a small loan for art supplies was all that was needed for Robert to begin drawing again. "These are the first sketches I’ve ever done and not been high. It’s tough. It’s like I’m having to relearn it all over again!"

Robert is off the street now, and living in a Transition center sponsored by the City of Portland. He goes to daily support meetings, gets his acupuncture, and takes his homeopathic medicine. He’s furiously drawing, getting ready for the very first showing of his art, and he’s back to practicing his music on a borrowed guitar.

When asked how he’ll spend the money he makes from the exhibition, a broad smile comes over his face. "After I pay back what I borrowed for art supplies, I want to buy my own guitar. I’ve got some songs I need to write. Now that I’m coming out the other side of being a hobo and an addict, I’ve got a story that might help some people to hear."

Robert Holton has a story to tell. The harrowing and inspiring tale of the long road back from the fringes of society. When you see his art or hear him sing, part of that tale gets told.

On the evening of January 3rd, 2002, Robert Holton will be performing and exhibiting his art at Coffee Time, 712 NW 21st, Portland, 503 497-1090.