Story

Exceeding Expectations- Life After Meth

Gary Williams

Age 28

Crawfordsville

METHAMPHETAMINE (METH)


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What Made Me Try It

I started meth one day while I was down on my luck, in a bad mood, and had home problems. I ran into a friend who said to try meth, and that it would make things better. I thought to myself, "sure I'll try it."

Moments of Truth

I realized that I had a problem while I was sitting in my empty home with no food in the refrigerator, no money, no family, and no more meth. The worst part of all of that was that all I cared about was getting more meth. It was then that I knew I wanted to stop using meth but couldn't.

Recovery From Relapse

Once I truly was clean, I have gone five years without relapsing.

My Keys to Recovery

I stay strong by staying involved in my community.

Lessons Learned

My whole life has changed. I work very hard to help other adults and kids. I am the president of our local coalition - the Montgomery County A.H.E.A.D. Coalition, Advocates Helping Educate Against Drugs. I am the president of our youth sports league. I am also on Governor Mitch Daniels' Community Advisory Board for a Drug Free Indiana. In my spare time I coach wrestling, softball and baseball.

My Advice

I tell people to work hard. This is not something that comes easy or fast. It takes complete dedication and time. If you stumble, get up and fight harder. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are people willing to help who have been there and have good advice. When its all said and done, you will be stronger than you realize. I tell people that they worked hard at being an addict, and now its time to work hard at being sober.

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	Gary Williams Chapter 1

	Gary's recovery story about substance abuse.

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	Gary Williams Chapter 1
	Gary Williams Chapter 2

MY RECOVERY STORY

I would like to tell you about my life after meth addiction. I have been in recovery for five years, and I have exceeded my own expectations for my life. I just want people to know that you can grow and change after addiction. If you work hard, you can accomplish anything.

As for what I've been doing, I am currently a board member working on a strategic prevention framework in Indiana to help fight drug abuse. Of the 40 people on the board, I am one of two who is in some sort of recovery. The special part of being on this board is that we were hand picked by our governor. Before joining the board, I traveled around the state teaching different groups about the dangers of meth. Along with my work to fight drug abuse, I am a board member for a local festival we have every year and recently took a board position for a youth sports league where I'm also a coach. The work I'm most proud of is my position as board president for the Montgomery County A.H.E.A.D. Coalition. (Advocates Helping Educate Against Drugs). I have had many more accomplishments in my life, but these have the most meaning to me.

I am very passionate about recovery, and I work hard to help others. I owe a very big thank you to my family, because without their support, I would have struggled tremendously to get this far. My three children and my wife are right there with me in all my activities.

COMMENTS FOR GARY

October 27, 2009

I'm having that same problem that you had. I want to quit, but it's so hard. Any advice?

-andy s

October 13, 2009

Gary, I have read your story and watched your videos numerious times. My son is using meth now. The last 10 months have been the worst, because he and his wife have separated because of the drug use. I would love to talk with you if possible or maybe communicate by email. Your story gives me hope.

-Sharon Umberger

September 06, 2009

I am from Moscow, 24, quit meth (speed) myself 3-4 years ago, and it took "some" will and time. I don't even remember how long I was on it. But even today sometimes it feels like some kind of loss. I read a comment on this site, and it said: meth turns you into a different person, soulless, empty. In my opinion not everyone can stand this feeling without serious consequences. Good luck to everyone who is trying to change his or her life.

-Vlad P

August 21, 2009

Thank you for sharing your story! It has given me hope that my grandson, age 25, will recover from the terrible disease of meth addiction. He had 3 years without the drug, but has relapsed in the last 6 months. Meth is truly frightening in what it is doing to his mind and his life. He is paranoid, which has become very frequent. He has lost his job, his medical insurance, his drivers license and almost all his personal possessions and may now lose a place to live, but I won't give up on him.

-sarah mendelson

July 01, 2009

BRAVO!!!! Good for you! Keep up the good work, and remember that YOU are precious to someone, and they need you to stay clean. And of course, you will.

-anne campbell

March 16, 2009

Your story gives me hope for my son who is 25. He was put in jail last week for meth. He has so much going for him until he started using meth. God bless you, and keep up the good work.

-kathy BROOKS

February 28, 2009

Gary,I am interested in starting something similar to your program. I am from a small town in Missouri that is rated very high with the statistics as being one of the top in meth use. I feel I need to do something to help at least one person, and I believe it would help me continue to stay stronger with my recovery. Would you please give me some info on how to begin to get something similar started in my area. God Bless You Gary, Michelle

-Michelle Colvin

February 11, 2009

Bravo, Gary!

-reddie cosa

December 23, 2008

I am a recovery meth addict named Ruby...I have been clean since December 3rd, 2004. Thank you for sharing your story. I do what I can to educate and share my story with others and I work with women that are in the treatment process and can stay in a home and keep their children vs. the state placing them in foster care. You are an inspiration Gary! I'll post my story soon. Dreams are not just dreams anymore, they are possibilities! Respectfully, Ruby 12/03/04

-Ruby Soft

October 06, 2008

Gary, Thank you for sharing your story. I lost my 21 year old daughter earlier this year to a heroin overdose. She was in recovery (this time) for 60 days and O.D'd upon relapse. I am trying to reach out every place. Your story confirms that there is still HOPE and success for others. You are an inspiration to many. I would like to use your story when I speak publicly if I have your permission. I will omit your name unless you tell me otherwise. Please let me know. God Speed to you.

-Nancy Joyce

July 30, 2008

When I first learned that my grandson was involved with meth, along with all my family members I was devastated. There were some rough times ahead for everyone involved. Personally, I felt at the time that recovery was a long shot at best. I was skeptical, and to be honest I still respect the influence meth can have on anyone that has a weak moment, regardless of any recovery efforts. I do, however have every confidence that my grandson has completely recovered.

-Anthony Meiring

July 02, 2008

Thanks for sharing your story. All that you shared is so true and a life of recovery is very rewarding. It is my greatest hope that our stories will reach the still suffering addicts and truly make a difference in their lives. Again, thanks for your experience, strength and hope!

-Michelle Welborn

May 28, 2008

Hi Gary - I do so much love that you and I grew up miles apart and our stories are so different, yet so much the same. We all grew up on different streets, rode different buses, rode the same evelvators, but we got on and off and different stops. We are so much more ALIKE that we are DIFFERENT. Thanks for clearly making that known to me.

-Mike Matt

May 28, 2008

I love u Gary.

-Bob Czar

May 19, 2008

May God continue to bless you Gary in everything you do, thank you for sharing.

-Jeana Prescott

May 14, 2008

Great job Gary, remember it is not where you came from that is imporntant, it is where you are headed.

-Sterling Cannon

May 14, 2008

Keep up the good work in the community! I truly believe in giving back to society because I was a wretch on it for so long!

-Heather Vazquez

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