I just wanted to send this e-mail to thank Mr. Prentiss and Pax for literally saving my life. I have been a drug addict and alcoholic for over 35 years, and a year or so ago I bought your book. I read the first half of the book (Pax's story) and set it down and continued using the way I had before. My wife and kids were in misery, I could think of nothing else but how to use. I had developed Avascular Necrosis which the doctor had informed me was caused by my addiction; I had to have a hip replacement due to my hip joint rotting out. I then added Vicoden and Valium to my list of addictions that included cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol on a daily basis, this did not stop me. I ended up in in-patient treatment and step programs to no avail.
I am 49 years old. A couple months ago my luck with the law ran out, and I was arrested while driving extremely intoxicated on valium and alcohol, I am just so thankful that I didn't hurt anyone or myself as I had no idea where I was or why. My family was in ruins I was a train wreck of a man, I had been laid off and was thinking there was no way out, and life was as good as over for me. I told my wife that I needed to see a physiatrist to get stronger drugs and find out if something was wrong with my brain. The night after I was bailed out of jail, I sat thinking and contemplating my miserable life, and I remembered your book I had shelved, and I got it back out and started reading the second half. It was as if a miracle or something happened and it just ""clicked"" I don’t know how to explain it. I read it over. I stopped using ALL drugs and alcohol that night started exercising, taking long walks, eating better. I was forcibly detoxed several times without help, but I managed to detox myself at home...it was rough at first, I got very little sleep, but I did it myself. I left all the lies and denial behind, for 35+ yrs I was an addict because of cause 2 and 3 in your book. I started to feel like a new man, it was actually exciting to me to start my new life and live without drugs or alcohol. I am now looking forward to every day with enthusiasm, I feel much better, not only physically and mentally but spiritually. The last few weeks have been bliss, it’s strange but I now KNOW I will NEVER use again. I had told myself this before, but deep down it didn’t click. Instead of getting high and drunk every night now, I read and enjoy time with my wife and kids. I know I am a long way away from being a totally free man, but I know in my heart and soul like never before that I will never, ever use again. I no longer need it amazingly and never will. All this just from picking up a book.
Just as Mr. Prentiss wrote, it took a ""bad"" thing to happen in my life, to turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to me and save me. Although I now have a court date that I will possibly face jail time and severe fines and penalties that I cannot afford, I will walk into the courtroom with my head held high and accept my punishment for I know this incident and book has saved me and saved my family from my addictions. I write this lengthy note with tears in my eyes, and hope that whoever gets it will show it to Mr. Prentiss and/or Pax and accept my most gracious thank you. I hope to someday be able to afford to travel to California to thank them personally. I look forward to every day and take one day at a time, with your book close by. Again, thank you so very much for helping me see what life can be, I haven’t seen it since I can remember, and it's exciting to me:)
