Demetrie

Topics: Substance Abuse

 

"The first time I got high was in the 7th grade. As the next few years passed, I tried more and more drugs until I found meth at the age of 15. As I further developed my habit, a rift developed between me and my best friends because they didn’t like that I was using drugs. After they stopped hanging out with me, I made new friends who did drugs and made my drug use seem acceptable. Pain ruled my life for ten years until I was imprisoned. My drug use created deep wounds within my family. Many years later, those wounds are still healing.

My recovery was initiated by my imprisonment. It was the first time that I was clean for any significant period of time. A year and a half after I had stopped using, I finally felt well due to a vigorous exercise regimen and the pursuit of wholesome activities. Upon release from prison, I attended many 12 step meetings and alternative recovery programs. However, the most effective thing for me was speaking to addicts twice my age that were still suffering from drugs and alcohol.

I am blessed with supportive friends and family who know how important my sobriety is. By maintaining my body through physical exercise I am able to feel what I had been chasing before. Now I listen, take advice and keep an open mind. I used to think I was so smart, but listening is the smartest thing that I do now. Today I get a second chance at life and at achieving all that I want to achieve. Anything is possible for me today, as long as I remain sober."