My name is James, and I am a recovering alcoholic. My addictions started in junior high. Within three years I had been in a mental hospital, locked up in juvenile hall. Placed on probation, tracking, and diversion. I was kicked out of school my freshman year for truancy and kicked out of my house shortly after. I landed in my first treatment center by 17. By the time I was 21 I had two DUIs and was living on the streets. I landed in another mental hospital a day before thanksgiving in 1999. I was at a point of desperation to either get sober or I was going to buy a gun and kill myself. By the grace of God I did not have to do that. My sobriety date is Feb 20th 2000 which means I am getting ready to celebrate twenty years. I belong to a 12 step program and sponsor guys new in recovery I am involved with at risk kids in prison and work with adults in an out patient program. I speak at schools on recovery and addictions. Feel free to email me jgillespie76220@gmail.com