Kole

Topics: Substance Abuse

"My first experience with drugs was when I was 9. Afterward, I felt ashamed and saddened. The drugs and those feelings followed me until the day I decided I needed help. While I was using drugs, they slowly tore my family apart.  I soon lost friendships and relationships with the people I loved the most. Eventually I would not want to have anything to do with anyone unless they used drugs. The people I did want to be around – the ones using drugs – were never true friends. What I got from my drug use were jails, other institutions, and near-death experiences.

When I was ready for help I joined a twelve step program (Narcotics Anonymous), found a higher power in my life, and continued to stay true to myself. I went to N.A. for help, and I got everything I could have asked for and more! It wasn’t easy, but I just kept showing up and trying hard, and it started working. It definitely got easier the longer I was sober and the more work I put into maintaining a clean lifestyle.

I maintain my sobriety today by being active in N.A. and by going to meetings every day. When I joined N.A., I found a great sponsor who I continue to work with. I have a good relationship with my family now, and I keep positive friends around me. They are both positive in their attitudes and they are positive examples of how to live life. Because of all the work I have done since choosing to walk away from drugs, I am in a whole other place! I never knew life could be so good. Life is great!"