July 28, 2000

My name is Beth. I have been an addict for 25 years and Im only 37 years old. I would like to tell you a little about myself. This is the first time I have ever told my story so please bear with me! I lived with my aunt until I was eleven years old. That was because my mother was eight months pregnant and was on her way to prison for five years for selling heroin. I was six years old then.

My mother was released from prison when I was nine years old. She went to court and begged and cried until they gave me back to her. That was the first mistake. She really didn't want me! Having me gave her more money from the state and someone to babysit my brother, who she had while in prison.

I was eleven years old and I had the flu or something. I can't remember the exact details. That is when my mother introduced me to 'Mr. Dialudid'! Oh...he sure made me feel so much better !!! It seemed like all of the sudden everything seemed better. My problems, my illness, but, most of all my whole life seemed wonderful !!!! God only knows how so very, very wrong I was....

From that moment on, my life was nothing but pure HELL. I won't bore you with the details, I am sure we all know what happens from then on. Jails, getting shot, living from place to place, running from everything and yet, from nothing !!

So you see, I thank God for methadone clinics, because without them and the people who work so hard at those clinics I know for sure I would be dead !!! You see, for the first time in my life I am learning how to truly 'LIVE` So please, give someone a chance to live. Give them back their life. Let there always be places like the methadone clinic. The next life they save maybe some one you love !!!

Thank God, and all those that helped me. I have 20 months clean and sober!!! If I could do it. anyone can!!

I could write a book on things that went on; good and bad in the High Life. Now I am going to write a book on living....