From Darkness to Light: Overcoming Addiction, Healing, and Finding Purpose

Hi, Adrian Salliego here. My Mother is from Tuba City, AZ, and my father is from Cedar Ridge, AZ. I struggled with self-esteem most of my life. I picked my first drug at 9 years old. I've had suicidal thoughts since I was about 12 years old. My first failed attempt was in 1995 (rope), my second attempt was in 1998 (hit by a train), and my third was in 2001 (overdose on 55 sleeping pills). I'm very grateful to be alive today. I surrendered to the disease of addiction on November 3, 2004. Then I started to work on myself. It's through the 12 steps in a 12 fellowship that helped me find peace and serenity.

Today, I continue to help people who struggle with addiction and suicidal thoughts/ideation. I'm grateful for this new way of life. I worked hard with my sponsor to identify the core issues of why I felt that way about myself for years. I found healing in 12 Steps in a 12-step fellowship, prayer, meditation, and service in the community. Today, I love the person that I am. I also love my perseverance in dealing with life on life's terms. My definition of humility is to remain teachable. That's what I tell people coming into recovery.

Adrian S.