I Started Doing Drugs at 12—I Never Imagined Where I’d Be 26 Years Later
Summary
Melissa Fleur Afshar began using heroin at age 12 and struggled with addiction for 26 years. After getting clean in 2017, she started peer support groups and a soap-making business to help others in recovery.Key Facts
- The author started heroin use at age 12 while in school.
- She experienced homelessness, jail, and hospital stays during 16 years of addiction.
- In 2017, at age 36, she joined a 12-step recovery program led by former addicts.
- She began working as a volunteer, helping the community and other addicts in Leeds, England.
- She founded "Getting Clean," a Community Interest Company focused on recovery support and community projects.
- The soap brand "Getting Clean" employs nine people who are in addiction recovery.
- Over 300,000 people in England are addicted to heroin and crack cocaine, linked to many thefts and robberies.
- In the U.S., nearly 48 million Americans aged 12 and older used illegal drugs in 2023.
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