I?once was a newcomer and sat alone and in fear of life. A man named Jimmy said, "Have you had enough?" with all his 4?feet 7 inches of Irish. I had just been told I was one foot out the door and ready to be fired, a young man with a wife, 3 kids and a house-perched ready to lose everything.

Jim was hard core old time AA, the type who tells you?to take the cotton out of your ears and stuff it in your mouth. I answered him by saying I had had enough and he said if I did what?I was told and take the suggestions, he could show me a way to a new life.

My story is no different than other people. I drank and drugged since I was 16 years old, in those days of the '60s and '70s.?I knew no restrictions --?money was for drinking and drugging, not what normal people would spend it on. I blew my GI BILL and many other things. March 21, 2013 I will, for the Grace Of God, receive my 26-year coin.

I reach out to the newcomer and I am working toward getting a degree to be full-time counselor. I also work at a famous substance abuse hospital in Worcester, MA helping those still sick and suffering. We, as recovering AAs and NAs, must not be complacent and reach out and help those need it. It is particularly required for the young people because what they are taking is deadlier than what old timers did and it is an epidemic.

Please Care and Share your Experience, Strength and Hope!