NAME: Dave N.

SOBRIETY DATE: July 20, 2000

I was asked to contribute a letter on behalf of Puente House and consider it an honor to do anything for the place that saved my life and got me on the right track for living life on life's terms.

I drank alcohol and used drugs for 30 years, thus the abnormal way of life became normal for me. I didn't think I would ever live without drugs and alcohol in my life. I was a victim to drugs and alcohol and could not stop.

On August 10, 2000, I arrived at Puente House instead of going to State Prison, to which I had been sentenced for 3 years. Just out of county jail, I was turned over to the custody of Puente House, which was the last house on the block for me. Upon arrival at Puente House, I was immediately welcomed by a group of guys with the same problem as me--addiction. I saw I wasn't alone anymore. Here was this group of people on the road to recovery; and to tell you the truth, I didn't want to go to Prison; therefore my only option was to recover. Puente House took me back to basic things--things I had stopped doing like making my bed, simple chores, cleaning up after myself, etc. - things I had just always put off. One of the most important things about living in Puente House was they introduced me to the 12 step programs. Through Puente House workshops and fellowship, I learned about my addictions and started to realize what was really wrong with me. Most importantly, they offered me a solution for a better way of living. When you attend meetings again and again, you begin to realize youÕre not alone; you're with new friends you meet in the house, and if you apply yourself, can build a good foundation needed for recovery.

Personally, I don't know if I would have been able to recover without Puente House showing me the way. As a result of building this foundation, I will have 3 years of sobriety on July 20, 2003; something I thought I would never be able to do.

So, if you're thinking of changing your life and want to be free from addiction, Puente House is a great place to start. It was for me and I look forward to meeting you and helping to show you the way to recovery.

Sincerely, Dave N.