Kenneth K.

Adopted by a police officer, I grew up learning manners and what was right from wrong. But I began drinking at an early age and drugs followed as I was seeking excitement and thrills. I did many illegal things throughout my life. Most of it was torment for my father, a prominent high-ranking police officer. I didn't set out to torment him; the drugs and alcohol which ran my life contributed to that.

I was in and out of trouble until, at the age of 40, I found myself facing 25 years to life under the three strikes law. Were it not for Prop 36, I would be telling this story from prison, not the treatment center where I now work. Finally, after being married to drugs and alcohol for 26 years, my higher power did for me what I couldn't do for myself. Entering treatment was that life change for me.

Now every Sept. 8th, I celebrate another year clean by the grace of God and Prop 36. I work for a county drug program, dealing with felony drug court and Prop 36 clients, and have come far from the day when they nearly sent me to prison probably for the rest of my life. I'm proud to share with clients and others how Prop 36 teatment programs can be life-changing. I'm proof!