Hello. My name is Arnold Hudson. I am a recovering addict. I made the decision to use drugs when I was a teenager because I could not cope with feelings of anger, feelings of abandonment, and feelings of being “less than.” As I grew into adulthood, these feelings became more intense.  And to cope, I used stronger drugs and used them more often.

What I didn’t know was that using drugs was slowly destroying my positive outlook on life.  I began to always see what was wrong instead of what was right. Near the end of my 28 years of using, I lost my will to live.  I came to believe that death was a good option.  After my third attempt at rehab, I managed to stay clean for 10 months. But, I did not take suggestions offered by counselors to continue to stay clean.  Once again, I was using.

Things changed one night when I was “escorted” out of a crack house because I ran out of money. I ended up sitting on a street corner, crying, and asking myself how I ended up here again. Then, it hit me: this is where I always ended up. I was just never willing to admit it. I made a decision then that I would do everything necessary to stay clean.  That was June 7, 1995, and I have not used any mood or mind altering substances since then.

My life has gotten progressively better in the last 27 1/2 years. Regaining my self-esteem and serenity has been my greatest reward, and I believe anyone can turn their life around if they are willing.