Anthony's Story

I grew up in California, and in 1991, at age 16, I was introduced to Crystal Meth. I had no idea the impact that this, and many other drugs would have on my life and the life of everyone around me.

In 2000, I was discharged from the US Navy under "other than honorable" conditions due to drug use. The shame that I felt over this would send me spiraling out of control.

Eventually, I found myself living in a tent in Phoenix, Arizona and injecting Crystal Meth whenever I could get my hands on it. I was in and out of jail, until one day I decided I couldn't do it any longer. I checked myself into a detox facility and they connected me with a program called Crossroads where I learned to work the 12-steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

I stayed sober for 5 years and then my addict brain decided that drinking was okay because it was not my "drug of choice." Fast forward five years... I had quickly become a daily drinker, my wife tells me that my alcoholism is affecting our family and she is afraid of what might happen if I don't stop. Overcome with fear, I agree to start attending AA meetings again. The fear of never being able to drink again crippled me with fear. So, I continue drinking and going to 12-step meetings.

One day, I am in a counseling session with one of the pastors at my church, and I feel a sense of peace come over me. I get a thought in my head that tells me that I will be okay if I can't ever drink again.

By the grace of God, I have been sober ever since! My sobriety date is November 8, 2017.