Abstract

I started drinking at the age of 11 because it was the only way to quiet the voices I'd been hearing all my life. It was the 60s and little was known about chemical imbalances and mental illness. By age 14 I was an alcoholic and spent the next 33 years hopeless and homeless, dealing with two diseases, alcoholism, and mental illness. In early recovery I realized I lacked a basic sense of self-esteem, so I picked up the flute I used to play before getting really sick. I was amazed how the music not only elevated my self confidence, but also helped the healing process. I knew I had something that needed to be shared, so I called on other artists in recovery and started the Recovery Band to spread the message of hope.

Go to 'The Origin of CHARGE'
Contributed on 9/5/2012