My addiction began at the age of 9 years old when I began experimenting with pot and drinking alcohol. Even at the mere age of 9 I thought I had found it, my solution. My solution to anger, anxiety, fear, and the pain from sexual abuse that I endured. My self medicating continued for the next 18 years when I finally sought help. I was looking for a new way of life, a new way to cope. My addiction ended with I.V. heroin and cocaine use. On Christmas eve 2015 I survived my last over dose and checked into detox on December 26th. December 27th was my first day sober and I have not looked back. There is help out there if you're willing to find it and put in the work. You need to have faith, work hard and persevere. Please don't wait before it's too late!