I began smoking weed in middle school and using pain pills in high school. I was a good kid who played soccer since 4 years old and has 2 sisters and parents who are still together. My father is in recovery but was sober before I was born so never had drugs or alcohol in my house. Addiction took over my life very young and destroyed it for 10 years. I was addicted to heroin (opiates) for 10 years and meth for about 3 mixing and matching of course. About 9 years ago, my probation officer gave me a chance to get on MAT instead of prison and told me he believed in me. My family always has but some stranger saying it sparked something in that moment and continues to. I am now going on 9 years clean. I am a felon but a few years ago got my rights fully restored. I work at CODAC health recovery and wellness and co-respond with TPD doing outreach to those in need. Very briefly that is the gist of it and I thank you for the opportunity, not just for me, but for others who share.