After finishing four years of active service, I was far from the former soul-searching child I had once been. Gradually my attitude, language, and appetite for fun had all changed dramatically. My friends, too, had changed, and I no longer enjoyed spending time with the guys, or even going out on dates. I had one purpose in my life - to stay high. My body changed. My clothes no longer fit me as I began to lose many pounds. I could no longer tolerate public places, and stayed home most of the time surrounded by my associates and so called friends. My natural affections that I had once possessed for family and friends were gone. I no longer needed them. I had something else instead – addiction.

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