My name is Troy Zartman, I am 21 years old. I come from a successful family. I was raised in a very nice home and I never went without my needs. I had a choice to go to college, I had many good jobs; I could have owned my own apartment building. My parents tried handing me the key to success a countless number of times. I threw all of that away for a life of crime and drug addiction. I have been an addict since I was 15 years old; starting with marijuana I gradually tried stronger and harder drugs.
Life was hard being addicted to marijuana and pain pills, however, I was functional and able to hold a job. That was until I tried methamphetamine. Meth has taken everything from me. I avoided my family, I quit my job, I lost my apartment, my car and a lot of money. I stole and robbed and ripped people off, the drug changed who I am. I cared about nothing except getting high and partying. I used to be scared to death of needles, meth also changed that. I fear nothing when I am high, not even prison; that would explain my current residence at the Indiana Department of Corrections.
I am currently serving two years for possession of meth. I consider myself lucky, because I could be doing a lot more time. This is my second trip to prison and I am a habitual felon. I have a warning for all you youngsters and fellow addicts, get help and get it now. No, don’t wait until next week, do it now. You do not want to lose more than you already have, believe me; I know prison is not the place you want to be. I don’t get to see my little sister Emily grow up, I have missed most of her teen years; I know this is killing her. It’s not just you that are hurting, we hurt everyone around us. I hate knowing how much I have hurt my parents, my sister and my loved ones because of meth addiction.
Talk to Hoss at the Serenity House, or a representative at the Rose Home. I am serious; this could be your last chance. Please take the advice I give you, I have been there; and it feels good to be in recovery. Thank you for reading this, I am praying for all of you in this struggle.
