My name is Kateri Sanchez Carpenter and I am a survivor of addiction. I started drinking alcohol when I was 12 years old, and from there moved on to cocaine, then methamphetamine. I went to jail and realized that I was not created for the life that I was leading. I began the process of recovery (12 step Christ-centered program) and have been sober for almost 11 years. I use my testimony to teach women in the correctional system and also serve in my church to help women seeking more fulfilled lives. My entire life has been restored to me. The relationships that my addiction took away have been restored, my marriage has been restored, my children have been restored. Now my extended family and many in the community. Our weakest darkest moments can be someone else's hope. Sharing my testimony and my recovery with others is a blessing. I am now studying to be a substance abuse counselor and I plan on helping others with addictions for the rest of my life here on earth.