I can't believe it happened to me.? I grew up in a loving home.? Finished high school, got married, bought a house, had a good job so when I became addicted to crack it was crazy.

I was having problems in my marriage and was hanging out with a co-worker and we would drink and talk and just hang out.? What I didnt know was that he smoked crack.? When I asked him what he was doing he said that I didn't want any part of it.? But I didn't really know what crack was so I told him I wanted to try it.

That was it.? ONE time and I was hooked.? Every dollar I got I spent on this drug.? It changed everything in my life. I would go to the worst parts of town to score.? Which meant I was driving under the influence.? I am so lucky that I didn't get killed or arrested.

After about a year a friend of mine, a co-worker saw that I was in trouble and stepped in.? I kicked the guy I was using with out of the house and began my journey back to a normal life.

After about 10 years I found myself going down the same path again.? How stupid could I be!? I was using more and more and more and couldnt get enough.? I stole, I pawned family treasures, I took $25K over a period of time from my work.? After my boss found out you would think I would be fired but I wasn't.? He said if I got help and changed my life he would let me work there but I would be under a microscope.

I am proud to say now that with the help of friends, family, my employer and everyone in my life I am clean now for 5 years and plan to stay that way.

The only way is to change your friends, the places you hang out and get out of your comfort zone and meet upbeat, positive people to be in your life.? Stay busy and focused.? I can also say that I have been working at my job now for 18 years and was able to hold onto my house and get my bills and mortgage caught up.

If it can happen to me, it can happen to ANYONE!? BUT YOU CAN OVERCOME THESE ADDICTIONS!? I did it and so can anyone that really wants it!