Alexander

     Greetings to everyone stopping by our website! I want to tell you about my life a little. Rather about it before and after my rehabilitation course. My wish is to break the stereotype developed in the society stating that there can be no former drug users.
     My name is Alexander; I was born in 1977 in Ozersk city of the Chelyabinsk region. I grew up as a very ordinary child in a very ordinary family; school, prom, some sports, college, graduation, army... When I returned to my city after the army in 1995, I aspired to move up well in the world, striving to have authority and recognition amongst people of all ages. Money did not take the last priority in my life either.
     So, I achieved what my heart desired – became a member of an OCG (Organized Criminal Group). Beautiful life, romance, restaurants, casinos and all the other attributes of criminal life. At the same time, I was building relationship with a girl who I had known for a long time. In 2000 I had a baby daughter Elizabeth. At the moment, life seemed to be successful; everything I needed was there, new opportunities and perspectives near at hand. I hated dope fiends and could never fathom the reason why on earth some strong and powerful people would get on the needle.
     My curiosity got the upper hand so that one day I ended up trying a line of cocaine using a small mirror and a pipe – I liked that. Later on, I would turn to heroin whenever I failed. Then, I would use only on weekends. I got addicted before I knew. As a result I lost everything I had: relationships with relatives, wife left me taking the child. My situation was unbearable, the ground beneath my feet seemed to be burning me, no hospital or clinic helped – there was no way out.
     In the year of 2005, I heard about a center in Asbest called “Salvation”. I collected my things and came there. I didn’t believe at first that it would help me. But seeing those young guys and girls joyful and full of life for some reason made me want to live on. After taking a course of rehab, I now live a new life, have new life values and norms that have nothing in common with the former ones. I have been off drugs for 2 years and work for the “Salvation” Center. I DO appreciate and value the life given to me by God.