California Voice: Many homeless people are stuck in cycles of substance use

I started using methamphetamine and PCP in the 1980s after surviving an abusive childhood, and continued to use them for more than 35 years. Throughout that time, I fell into homelessness and even spent 18 years in state prison.

This experience made it clear that, if we want to help people with substance use disorder, we must prioritize techniques to reduce harm and save lives.

I’m living proof that these strategies work.

In prison, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder...