I was raised by a single mom and an abusive alcoholic father who, it seemed, came around only to inflict pain.  I was 13 years old and drugs seemed harmless and the thing to do.  I used drugs from 1984 to 1996.  During intervals of sobriety I was a productive, hard working, tax paying citizen helping to support my children and grandchildren.  Disappointments led me back to drugs, then prison.  The third time was a misdemeanor charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance.  Since my incarceration under the Three Strikes Law I have been working with the NA program and now realize I can benefit from group support and helping others. I am a recovering addict with a new life and purpose for living.