For over ten years I was an intravenous drug user. I was homeless, broken, alone, and estranged from my family. When I walked into my 29th treatment center my therapist encouraged me to write about my experience with addiction. Initially I laughed at her and thought. “What’s the point?” Out of fear, desperation, and pure arrogance I decided to pick up my notebook and give her a piece of my mind. Since then I haven’t been able to stop, and my life has changed significantly. Writing is the best way I know how to express myself. Writing is the best way I know how to teach. Writing is the best way I know how to inspire people. Writing is the best way I know how to save lives. If you find something you’re good at that enables you the gifts of expressiveness, inspiration, teaching, and saving lives then you keep doing it. So, I decided to start The Addict’s Diary as my way of giving back.