Kraig L.

I'm a 42 year-old recovering addict. Alcohol was my primary drug of choice but I did drugs when drinking as well. I developed alcoholism at about the age of 17. I was a stoner prior to that. I always ran from reality. I was scared if something. Of life. Society. Primarily of not really knowing who I was. I couldn't deal with life on life's terms and so I became heavily dependent on substances to hide reality from my mind.

At the age of 20 I drove my car into a tree with a friend as my passenger. I was running from a cop while I was heavily intoxicated. My friend was seriously injured but ok long-term. I broke my neck as well as much of my body. I akso had severe brain trauma. I went into cardiac arrest twice. I missed a semester then went back to college but dropped out my junior year due to my debilitating alcoholism. Even after the accident I continued drinking.

I went to jail several times. I stayed in the system for about a dozen years. I lost job after job, never making it in one for more than 4 months. I couldn't support myself and keep a place to live.

Eventually I forced myself into a situation where I would have to get myself together. I voluntarily moved into a recovery house after a break-up in which I was kicked out of my girlfriend's house. I went to rehab for probably the sixth or seventh time by then. Then to the recovery house. You have to remain clean and sober in recovery houses or else you are kicked out, forced to find somewhere else to live. I joined a 12 step program and made a lot of friends. I had a stretch of 15 months clean/sober until I relapsed. I went to rehab and had to start the same process again once more. I made it a second time over a year clean/sober and relapsed once more near 18 months. Finally, my last time relapsing was now 4 years and 7 months ago.

This brand attracted me because I like the message. I support myself just fine now. I recently went through a breakup of a relationship of 5 years. It wasn't easy but I no longer let my demons control me. They're so far back now that I don't get that need to drink/use that I used to get to deal with any and all problems, or just to get through life.. I've held a job at the same place for 6 years now and am a member of leadership. I've had no legal troubles since I got off of probation 12 years ago. I feel that my demons truly are behind me.

I have to stay vigilant and aware. I'm not currently an active 12 step member though I keep what I learned there in the fore-front of my mind and am willing to go back if I ever start feeling on edge or that I may be heading towards picking up again.

I'm no longer a danger to myself or others. I'm a productive member of society. I am proud of myself and so are those whom care about me.

I also really like the style of Demons Behind Me clothing. I'm a metalhead and the skull theme and styles/colors of the hats and flannels I purchased really suit me as do others I intend to purchase as well. I am glad I found out about this brand. I think it's the first brand that I wear that holds significant meaning as to who I am and where I come from. I rock the bands and sports teams I love on a regular basis but the name Demons Behind Me is truly a metaphor representing me and my life today. I am happy. Happiness eluded me for two decades. It doesn't anymore!