Ever since I was 7 years old, I've been overweight. When I was 12, I started sneaking my parents cigarettes and smoking them in the backyard. When I was 13, I tried beer and vodka and any liquor my friend and I could get our hands on. At 17, I started smoking weed. I'm 31 now, and have been using alcohol, marijuana and a few other drugs since I was 17. My whole life, I struggled with my weight loss, and adding mind altering substances into the equation certainly didn't help me with motivation or a clear mind to lose weight and maintain it. I'd lose weight, but I'd always gain it back. Two months ago, I went to a rehabilitation center for drugs and alcohol, which has proven to be one of the best things I've ever done in my entire life. Right now, I don't feel depressed anymore, and I feel as though it was the drugs and alcohol holding me back in so many areas of my life, work, friendships, relationships, goals, career, and of course, a healthy lifestyle. Today, I feel happy, no trace of depression. I feel hopeful, like I can achieve anything I desire. Since I've been working towards putting my substance abuse problems behind me, I've gotten back my Spark! I've been absent from these pages for 2 years. I'm glad to be back and looking forward to a happier, healthier future! Good luck to anyone on a similar journey and god bless! :)