My passions are helping other women, my husband and my grandkids. I love kickboxing and hiking.

My name is Dinorah Bond. My drug of choice was crack.

My sobriety date is 11/19/2013

I grew up in California and Washington. I am an advocate at a women’s shelter. My passions are helping other women, my husband and my grandkids. I love kickboxing and hiking.

When did you realize your life had become unmanageable? I ended up homeless. My life as an addict was pure hell. I was hanging out with people who were very dangerous. When I knew I couldn’t like that anymore and planned on suicide by putting myself on the railroad tracks. One of the people I left a text with called the police on me. I was so angry.

What did your recovery look like? My recovery was slow at first. I have a lot of white chips. I had to give up the crazy. This included friends and situations. My husband who was just a friend had a lot of influence on my sobriety. He’s been sober 21 years. He mostly listened to me.

What are you grateful for? These days life is beautiful. I have such a good relationship with my grandkids.

Any advice you would give to newly sober folks? My advice to someone newly sober is don’t give up. Surround yourself with new positive people! Go to meetings.