My name is Andrea and I am a grateful recovering addict. I didn't start using until I was 22 years old and out of college.? First I started drinking alcohol in college with my friends but only on occasion.??I worked with a guy that i found different and interesting.?I had no idea he was using.??We started dating.? Two weeks before?I was to graduate?I moved in with him.? Then finals week my senior year I started smoking pot.? Two weeks later?i was shooting meth.? This would mark the beginning of the most exciting, terrible journey of my life.? In the next ten years i would lose everything I ever loved; my family, my relationship with God, my self-respect, my freedom, and my health.? I was shot at several times, pistol whipped, my neck nearly broke, arrested multiple times all of which are drug related, and i was diagnosed with Hep C.? 2 years ago?I was busted at my home for manufacturing meth.? My attorney got me a 5 year defferred sentence rather than life.? 10 days before pleading into that sentence I was arrested again for possession of meth and paraphranalia.? I guess the Lord works in mysterious ways.? The courts decided to give me a?second chance.? I decided to go to rehab. 30 days later it was back to the real world, only to continue the biggest battle I would ever face.? Recovery.? I now have 8 months clean. I do H&I service work, go to meetings,?I work the 12 steps,?I have a sponsor, I pray and meditate every day, and I don't pick up just for today.? God has done for me what I couldn't do for myself.? All I have to do is trust that He will.? He has been with me every step of the way.? In the good times He walked beside me, shared my smiles, and received all the glory. And in the bad times He carried me through, held me in His loving arms, and wiped away my tears.? Thank you Lord for working in my life, and through me.