I became involved with my drug dealer and moved to Miami Beach Florida to live the fun, and big life. I left all my friends and family behind, I didn’t need them anymore. Crystal Meth was all I needed. My newfound friend and drug dealer assured me, that in Miami, Meth flows like honey, and it’s not the crappy stuff they make here in the mountains but it’s the “pure form” called “ICE”. My family was terrified for my safety. They tried to help me, but did not know what to do. I was so far away. I never cared or thought about how my actions affected them, especially my daughters that were so young and without a mother. I only cared about how I felt and getting that next hit of Meth. I turned into a person that I never wanted to be, a person I hated and despised.

Before too long I became so depressed, I didn’t want to live any longer. Most of my family had given up on me because I wouldn’t return phone calls or come home to visit my daughters or family. (I hadn’t seen them in 6 months) I lived in a Penthouse 3 blocks from the beach…but rarely ventured out, because Meth had made me so paranoid that I feared of being arrested, and I thought people were out to kill me. This paranoia led me to stay in our penthouse for weeks at a time, becoming a hermit and never leaving. What kind of life is that?? I was supposed to be here living the ideal life in Miami Beach. Partying and having the time of my life! Meth paints a pretty picture in the beginning. It tricks you, lies to you. It’s very clever. That’s why it’s called the devil's drug. So instead of this ideal life in Miami Beach, I fear for my life everyday, I’m paranoid, suicidal, lonely and deep depression.

During my 8-month addiction I tried killing myself, and was admitted to a rehab center in Florida. As soon as I got out, I went back to using Crystal Meth (ICE) the most potent and addictive form of Meth. I didn’t go home to see my children or family; I went back to the love of my life…Crystal Meth.

My final straw came one day after seeing something very terrible. The image will stay in my mind for the rest of my life. Let me say this.
 

Miami is everything the movies and the news say it is. Top of the chart in Crimes and Drugs. That day, I answered a phone call from my 5-year-old daughter. Her birthday was coming up, and I asked her what she wanted for her birthday, and she replied in tears, “I want my mommy to come home”. That did it. I didn’t hesitate, I didn’t pack anything, and I just got on a plane with my wallet and the clothes on my back and flew home to Georgia. I never looked back. I didn’t even go back to get all my belongings that I had moved there in a U-haul. I wanted as far away as possible from Crystal Meth. I admitted myself to a detox center here in North GA, and have been 100% drug free ever since.

I have turned to GOD as my higher power, and give all the credit of my recovery to prayers and my faith in GOD and the friends and family that DID NOT give up on me. You know which ones you are.

Thank you for loving me enough not to give up hope and continuing to pray. Most of all I thank my Merciful God for watching over me, loving me and protecting me when I came so many times near death.

Now I want to help fight the war against Methamphetamine. Every time I see a news report or watch a show on meth, I get angry and now I want to fight back. (One of the reason's for creating the website www.anti-meth.org)

Today I live a happy, peaceful, drug-free life. My life has changed 100%. My morals, goals and outlook on life are opposite from where they use to be - selfish, angry, suicidal and destructive, they are now happiness, giving, helpful and positive. My dreams and goals are coming true and my anger, sadness and hopelessness has subsided. I am happily re-married to a wonderful, sweet & caring man and have a wonderful family with my 2 daughters and 3 stepchildren. I am a Soccer-Mom, Home schooling Mom and work part time in my business designing websites.