I am the father of an addict. Today my son has been clean over 2 1/2 years. For seven years he danced with a monster. By the time he found recovery he was a heroin addict that was speedballing cocaine and heroin. My son began using when he was 15 years old. He went to 4 rehabs, spent time in five local county jails and a state prison by the time he was 22 years old.

It got so bad his mother and I were at the point that we were making plans for his funeral, we were just waiting for the body.

Our son is now 24 years old. He has been clear and sober since July 2010. He is the father to a 1 year old son and works a full time job at a manufacturing faciltiy to support his family. Rents his home and pays his bills.

Today he came to me all excited. He had met with the Dean at a local junior college to see if he could go back to school. There was a question regarding whether he would be allowed to go there. He had been arrested twice for stealing at the campus bookstore. He met with the Dean, explained everything and where he is today and what he has learned. When he left the Dean's office he left with permission to attend again and he was told he was eligible for a $1500 school tuition grant.

Where there is life there is hope. My sons recovery is the greatest gift I have ever received. I can't imagine what it is like for him.