Gary Williams
Age 28
Crawfordsville, IN
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.
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.
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