Stan 06/01/2004
Kentucky, USA
email: simplyfollow_theway@yahoo.com

My name is Stan. I have been clean since June 1, 2004. I started using 
drugs regularly when I was seventeen years old. Immediately I was 
hooked. The highlight of my day became getting high. I used as much as 
possible as often as possible. At first there were no problems, but as 
I kept using, the consequences got worse and worse. I lost a job, 
flunked almost all of my college courses, and got arrested.

I cleaned up when I first got on probation. I simply replaced my drug of choice with alcohol. Eventually I went back to using, and it was like I had 
never stopped. I knew I had a problem then. Despite my best efforts, 
my drug use and my life kept getting worse and worse. I wasn't able to 
stay clean for one day before I came to NA. Alone I didn't have the 
power, but using the NA program and being a part of the fellowship, I 
have been able to stay clean. Not only that, I lost the desire to use 
by working the 12 Steps.

Now my life is comfortable, and I'm nicer  and happier. I use my talents to succeed in school and make money (legally!). I have a good relationship with my family, and at the beginning of the year, I will have a clean criminal record. The highlight of my life today is sharing my experience, strength, and hope with newcomers. I also strive for continued spiritual growth. I'm reworking the Steps to get a deeper level of healing from my past and the effects of this disease. For the last two and a half years, I've lived in rural Kentucky with little support. Earth Group saved my ass more than once.
 
I found my sponsor at Earth Group. I know I am not the only NA member who has had to stay clean with few or no local meetings. That's why I want to make myself available as an online sponsor. In keeping with the Second Tradition, which says, "Our  leaders are but trusted servants, they do not govern," I don't tell  people I sponsor what to do. I offer my experience, strength, and hope 
and an ear to listen. I'm willing to take phone calls as well. God bless