My alcohol and drug use was out of control from the very start.

Instagram: @martyevans2001

My name is Marty and I'm an alcoholic. 

My story isn't much different than anyone else's. When I use I can't stop. 

When I use I do bad things and have no control over my decisions. 

I started drinking when I was 9 years old and by the time I was 14 I was sticking needles in my arm. 

My alcohol and drug use was out of control from the very start. All I wanted was more. More of whatever changed the way I felt. I never thought that fit in. 

I was arrested several times and at the age of 16 I was sent to reform school. I spent 2 years there and didn't learn anything. When I was released I continued my using and my criminal behavior. At the age of 23 I was arrested for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine,  Marijuana and cocaine. 

These were federal charges and I was sent to federal prison.  I was sentenced to 9 years. 

When I got out I really thought I was on the right path. Had a good job and was "normal". The guys I worked with would stop at the bar after work and eventually I would stop with them. It wasn't long and I was drinking and looking for the dope man. I still had a few years left on federal paper and decided that since I did so much time I'd just stay hidden and the time would run out on my sentence.  It doesn't work that way. My parole officer contacted me and told me to turn myself in. I did. He sent me to rehab and while there I was arrested by the Marshall's for failure to report. I went before a judge who said that she was giving me time served. 

I left and went back to my normal life. It wasn't 3 weeks and I caught another charge. Even though I wasn't drinking or drugging I had a guy who owed me money steal for me. He got caught and told the police that I put him up to it. Going to prison again for conspiracy to shoplift. I knew that my life was completely out of control.  I went to prison for 14 months.  

I was at my parole officers office and she told me to get a job and to stay in weekly contact.  I asked her if I needed to get a paper signed showing that I'm attending meetings and she said no. She explained to me that I'd been doing this all my life and I had some decisions to make. I could either get clean and sober or I could get locked up or dead. For what ever reason that hit home. 

I went to that first meeting on June 14th 2001. I haven't looked back since. I went to meetings morning, noon and night. I wanted to stay Sober no matter what. If they suggested it I did it. 

I got a sponsor. I worked steps. I found a Higher Power.  

That was a little over 21 years ago. 

I still go to a lot of meetings. 

I still have a Sponsor. 

I still work steps. 

My life is better than I could have possibly imagined.  

I'm married to my best friend. 

I manage an oilfield company.  

My wife and I own a couple businesses. Like I said my life is better than I ever thought possible. 

If you're new to recovery please give it a chance. Stick around and see the promises come true. 

My name is Marty and I'm an alcoholic!!