My mother is an alchoholic and addict, and my father was too before he was stabbed to death. I started smoking cigarettes at 13 and then marijuana shortly thereafter. I was 14 when I took my first drink and experimented with all other drugs (except heroin) by the time I was 16.

Coke and alchohol were my drugs of choice. I could go on with my life story and all the bad things that happened to me, but there simply isn't enough time or space. It all came to a head December 24, 2007. I had been contemplating suicide for almost a year. I frequently cried and asked God to just end my life. I was totally controlled by my addiction and I saw no way out. I did not care about anything including my boyfriend (who is against drinking and drugs - go figure)and our son. One night after a litre of rum and lord knows how many drinks and shots at the bar, I went home and gave my keys to my boyfriend, kissed my son and walked out into the main street and stood in traffic. I was ready to go. Needless to say someone called the police, and a cop that I knew quite well (I cared for his aunt) showed up. I begged him not to take me home. I wanted to go to rehab. I needed to go to rehab.

After a short stint in the psych unit I was off to MC PIKE. I was scared and relieved at the same time. I decided to quit smoking as well. It was rough. I was put on medication for depression, anger and sleep. I felt like a new person. I will never forget all the wonderful people at MCPIKE. I cried. I laughed. I grieved - and I accepted myself.

I have never been so happy as I am now. To be free of the suffocating grip that alchohol and drugs have had on my life. I can enjoy my son and boyfriend - oh and my little puppy too. THANK YOU GOD and THANK YOU MC PIKE for helping me live again.