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Beyond Imagination

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Beyond Imagination

My name is Dennis, and right now I am just over 10 months sober. To some people that may seem like not a big deal, but to me there is nothing quite as amazing that I can think of.? Growing up I started smoking at a young age, honestly believing that weed was not a drug.? Soon I started using cocaine and pills here and there.? By my junior year of high school, I was using cocaine on a regular basis.? After high school I joined the Navy to get away from home and try to straighten out my life.... this failed MISERABLY. I was kicked out of the military for underage drinking, amongst other things.? It is at this time that I became addicted to Crystal Meth.? I moved to Florida, and stayed off the meth for quite a few years, but I was still using every other drug you can imagine.? At some point I decided to move to Texas.? Things were going great, I had a great job at Gorgia Pacific, I was close to my family, and I had every opportunity for a fresh start at my hands.? Once again, I fell into meth addiction.? This time, things were much worse.

I always said that I would never use a needle no matter what.? That was not the case.? I started shooting meth four to five times a day, and I was constantly surrounded by violent and extremely dangerous situations and people.? I stopped going to work, and intentionaly cut myself off from my family.? Right now I weigh a healthy 200 pounds.? At the peak of my addiction I weighed approximately 135-145 pounds.? Yet somehow, I was able to bring myself back to my senses and call my grandmother.? I told her where she could find me, and that if she did not pick me up and take me to rehab, that it wouldn't be long befor I was dead.? I was accepted to rehab 3 days later in Beaumont, TX.? I only stayed for 29 of the 30 days I was supposed to, on the 29th day I said that I got everything that I need, and I was certain that I would never use a drug again.

I left rehab and went straight to the store and bought an 18 case of beer.? Soon I was back in Florida and using Cocaine again.? Not to mention all the pills.? I met a woman, moved to Illinois with her, and continued my using.? One day I woke up and decided to go to AA.? I stayed sober for 3 months, but then I went out and got drunk.? The next day I went back to AA, and I have not had a drug or a drink since.? I am now engaged to that very woman, and living in New Jersey.? I attend multiple AA meetings every week, I have a very promising career, I have real friends, and more fun and happiness in my life than I would ever had thought possible.? There is no better feeling than the one I get when I look back and see just how far I have come.? I hope that somebody somewhere can relate to my story and find the inspiration needed to take that first step toward a better life.



Partners for Hope raise critical funds on behalf Partnership to End Addiction – the nation’s leading organization dedicated to addiction prevention, treatment and recovery. Every dollar raised on behalf of the Partnership* will help ensure free, personalized family support resources, including our national helpline, peer-to-peer parent coaching, customized online tools and community education programs, can reach those who need them most. Please consider donating to this fundraiser and sharing this page.

*Donations made to Partnership to End Addiction are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. All contributions are fully tax-deductible, as no goods or services are provided in consideration in whole, or in part, of any contribution to this nonprofit organization.  EIN: 52-1736502

Guest Book

Comments

1. DEBRA HOMAN
Dennis, ten months is awesome! Keep up the good work. It will get better. I've been clean for five years and six months off of meth. It took me going to federal prison for three years. I have god and the courts to thank for my second chance at life. So, be proud and help others to overcome what you have. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!!! STAY STRONG AND KEEP FIGHTING TO STAY SOBER AND PRETTY SOON IT WILL JUST COME NATURALLY.
2. Debra
Dennis, any time is awesome I have been sober well over 10 years i have lost count. the trick is to never think you can have one drink. or it has been so long it wont be like before , because it may go slowly or not but you will end up like before. trust me been there done that. I wish you continued success and sobriety. You can do it , we all can we just need to always remember where we were and dont want to be again.. take care, much love, Debra
3. Deborah Bockstahler
Dennis- I am so truly proud of you and your recovery. I shared your story on my awareness page. "A Mother's Cry" Stay strong and continue to give Mothers like me hope