Hi I am an addict in recovery. I have been clean for 3 years and today my life is more than I would have ever dreamed. My drug and alcohol use began when I was 10yrs old, and by the time I was in high school I was addicted. I was a straight A student in high school and a cheerleader and champion athlete. I had a very dark secret of addiction, I had moved from marijuana and alcohol use to taking, snorting or inhaling anything I could get my hands on. I managed to make it through high school without anyone knowing about my addiction, but as soon as I graduated it was obvious to everyone. I threw away scholarship opportunities and a dream of college to eventually become a homeless drug addicted prostitute. Three years ago after a life threatening overdose a doctor offered me the opportunity to live a different life through a residential treatment program, I took that gift. Today I am 45 years old clean 3 years have everything my heart could desire including a relationship with my children that my addiction had taken away. I also have a beautiful relationship with my mother and my grandchildren. Recovery afforded me an opportunity to go back to school and get that college education that I had forfeited. I am in my second year of college working towards a Masters Degree in Social Work, and I am a 4.0 student, I am absolutely positive that these are all gifts that were made possible because of recovery. Just be willing to give recovery a chance you will be amazed at what your life can become, Miracles do Happen!!