Austin battled with drug addiction for ten years. Marijuana and alcohol were his first drug of choice when he was twelve years old. Austin was in and out of treatment programs.
Approximately six years before Austin took his life, he found crystal meth. Meth had such a hold on Austin. There was no program strong enough to help him fight the grips meth had on him.
He was tired. Tired of what meth made him into. He became a criminal to support his habit. I wish I could go back in time and do something more. The guilt is so heavy on me.
I know Austin knew I tried and how much I love him. I never blamed him for his mistakes. I blamed the drugs.
I feel Austin has found peace with God. He no longer suffers from the day to day need for meth. I am taking Austin's spirit and reaching out to others in need of help with their addiction. Those that feel there is no other way out than to take their lives.
I am an active member of the local meth coalition. I have talked at a junior high school and I will continue to share Austin's story for the rest of my life.