For many years in my adult life, I have been institutionalized. Drug rehabs, jails, psych wards, and hospitals. The place where I have stayed the most is the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center. The first time I went there was in February of 2009. I had been off and on homeless and living in hotels. I was also a drug addict. The Salvation Army changed my life. I stayed there for six months on the first go-around. Eight months the second go-around and many times after that. I have been in the program seven different times. I am free today. I have not been in an institution in almost two years and I struggle every day. See, I do better when I am in a program. On my own, it is tough sledding. Too much time in one day and no one to talk to. I am alone. Sometimes, I want to go back to an institution, but I feel I must remain in the life I am currently in. It is for the better. I need to learn how to live alone. No more institutions.
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