Bill
At 13, my father's deputy found me two blocks from the high school passed out drunk. Later, I got involved with a 19 year old woman who was well connected in the drug community and I began using just about anything that was given to me. I was so out of control I was sent to live with my father. By then he was in California and drugs were everywhere and easy to get. Back home I had stuck to drinking alcohol, smoking weed and taking acid. But here I began using Quaaludes and snorting and slamming (needles) cocaine.
At 17, I joined the Navy and was sent to Hong Kong where I was introduced to heroin. I continued using for the next six years until I somehow was given an honorable discharge. Throughout my marriage, my wife and I continued using drugs until I was arrested and put in jail for possession, selling and stealing. But I hadn't hit my bottom yet.
I continued until 2003, when I was sent to prison for a 5 ½ year sentence. It was there that I entered a 12-Step program. When I was released I was paroled on a work furlough program and eventually got my own place. My 19 year old son came to live with me to get his life on track. My addiction had an impact on all my children; as they say this can be a family disease .
A year later my 17-year-old was then released to me after being in and out of juvenile hall. Now I had two of my boys struggling with their own demons. Three days after my son turned 18, he stole a car, killing someone in the process. He was convicted of murder without the possibility of parole.
I relapsed, but realized I needed help and began seeing a therapist for depression, but not drugs. One day, my girlfriend gave me a business card for the Vista Hill - Bridges™ Adult Outpatient Program. I kept it for a few days because I thought I'd go out and have my last great high before seeking treatment. In the process I overdosed and was out of it for three days. When I woke up, I knew that going back to a life of drugs was not what I wanted so I picked up the phone and called the program….that was August 2007. Since then I've been clean.
In September 2007, my then 24-year-old son, who battled with addiction, committed suicide. I was faced with wanting to use again. With the help of my girlfriend and the support of the Bridges™ Program I managed not to start again. I know now if I can stay clean through that then I can stay clean through just about anything. There is no greater loss then losing a child. And I owe it to myself and to his memory to live a clean and sober and productive life. Today, I'm engaged to my girlfriend and going to school to be a Counselor while I manage a sober living home. I know I will be okay as long as I stay connected to those who are supporting me in my recovery.
