What it was like?

I left home at 15 so I could drink and use the way I wanted to. In the beginning it was a lot of fun. I was young, free, and good looking. A lot of things came very easy to me so I thought I was on the right path. Soon I would experience teen homelessness, mental illness and loss of self.

What happened?

I would drink and use drugs on a daily basis from the age of 15 to 22. I would hit my bottom at the age of 22 and I would drinking and using drugs. For the first 8 years of my sobriety, I would try to stay sober and live life on my own with put any kind of help. At the age of 27, I would have a mental breakdown. I would see doctors and take frequent trips to the emergency room for depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Eventually Alcoholics Anonymous would be recommended to me. I would go to my first AA meeting the age of 30. Ever since my first meeting of AA and working other 12 step programs, my life has gotten so much better.

What it is like now?

Today, I am 42 years old and have just under 20 years of sobriety. I have my own business and a published author. I live a very healthy and active lifestyle that I have kept since getting sober. I help others to get sober, secretary 12 step recovery meetings and volunteer on the side as well. Staying busy, prayer, and meditation help keep me balanced. Overall life is pretty good.