Hi, my name is John. Unlike many recovering addicts, I grew up in a good home. My family has always been very loving and supportive, despite my shortcomings. At the age of 15, I began experimenting with alcohol. It was the fun thing to do, particularly on the weekends.

Eventually my weekend hobby evolved into a daily addiction. By my early 20's I was using drugs climbing the latter from marijuana to coke and eventually to heroin.

Throughout my 20's and 30's I made my way through countless detoxes and sober houses. No matter how hard I tried, I could not stay sober. I eventually found some stability and managed to stay clean for 2 years. But after sustaining a serious injury on the job, I resorted once again to addiction. This time it started with pain killers and ended in heroin. My mother supported me with tough love, challenging me to return to detox and find a way out.

Five years later I arrived at the Boston Rescue Mission. I had been living on the streets for a couple of months when God seemingly opened the door to the Mission. It was the grace of God that brought me here. This is the first place that has offered me the community and stability I need to stay sober. Thanks to weekly meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous, I am supported by both peers and counselors. The staff really cares about people, and they are here to help. I pray that my recovery will continue to go as well as it has for the last four months!