My name is Pete, and I’m a recovering drug addict and alcoholic. I’ve been in continuous recovery since November 2, 1977. I began drinking alcohol while in 6th grade and began using drugs in high school. At first they were great fun and did not interfere with my life. However, by the time I was 17 I had begun injecting drugs, taking my life in a direction I never intended. By the time I was 19 I was addicted to heroin.

Shortly after I became addicted problems began to develop. Disappointing my family, inability to maintain employment and housing, health and legal problems. Jails and hospitals would result in periodic detoxification from drugs, with me always returning to drug use shortly after release.

At age 27 I found myself in hospital again fearing suicide. A friend took me to an recovery clubhouse where I was told about a treatment center where I was introduced to 12 step recovery. By the grace of God and this program I have not had to use any drugs or alcohol since that point in time.

Today I am a husband, father and grandfather. Because of this recovery I was able to retire from full time employment last year. To those who say once an addict always an addict, and a drug free recovery from heroin is not possible, I say my life today exposes that as a lie.