I began experimenting with drugs at an early age in school, to socialize and to be accepted. My mother's death had taken a toll, I did not know how to cope with the situation, and begin shooting heroin 1969. Shooting drugs removed the pain and I appeared to have it together. In the end drugs had betrayed me, and taken me to the degradation of Hell.

In my book, Redeem Yourself, I speak about a wiliness to change you life. My ups and downs in recovery. The difficulties getting sober and learning to live life on life's term. Living this life called sobriety has been magnificent, it has awarded me many opportunities in life, but also accepted many challenges.

Patricia and I have been married twenty five years. I am gainfully employed and have leadership skill. An author, who's publish two books, has spoken several time on the radio, schools and prisons.

This I owe to a power greater than myself. Thank God I can laugh again but never let me forget how I cried.

Jerome Livingston, author of "Lust of a Dope Fiend" and "Redeem Yourself to Thy Own Self be True"