hello,my name is gary,I'm an addict.I have been sober for a few years.The rewards of sobriety are trully astounding.Never in my addiction would i ever have thought that i would find joy and happiness throughout my new found sobriey.My family now means more then anything.It is never too late to try to erase the things(drugs,booze,food,sex,etc.)that have finnally made your life no longer managable.Many people feel that if they still contribute to society that they are not in danger.That is a false sence of security.Most of us addicts know right from wrong.The guilt that comes with addiction for many is unbearable.I believe that feeling guilt over substance abuse really is the first step to recovery.It is in all of us to make the change,not at the same time,not at the same speed,and not the same ways.I personally do not attend church,meetings or addiction councilling.That is not to say that they do not work.because they do for some.I would not deter anyone who feels that any of those tools would help.I have read that up to 80% of addicts that stay clean for 1 year or more do so without going to regular meetings(reader's digest)