It’s been a little over seven years since Natalie Smith* has touched a drink or illegal drug. The recovering addict and lifelong New Jersey resident first started getting high when she was just 12 years old and, over the next 17 years, she sampled dozens of different drugs, overdosed once, was arrested 11 times, and entered rehab close to two dozen times. Now 37 and sober since 2008, Smith hopes that by sharing her story, she can inspire others to turn their lives around.

*Name changed to protect identity