I am a recovering meth addict.

I have been clean for almost 8 months, after using meth for 3 years. At first, it didn’t take much to get me high, but as time went on and my body became immune to the drug, I had to take more and more.

I finally got up to taking about 23 grams. That’s when I almost died. My heart was so swollen it almost exploded. I didn't pee for five days, and when I did, it was thick like jelly. My kidneys shut down.

If it hadn’t been for the local sheriff’s department, I would be dead. Meth takes control of your life. You feel numb and you don’t care what happens. I lost permanent custody of my baby boy. I went to jail. Lost everything.

I may need a new kidney. I don't know. It's all a mess. I'm only 19. I look 80. They say it gets better. It has to.