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Former addict’s journey with heroin hits close to home

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Ind. (WISH) – For some addicts, sharing their story of addiction helps keep them sober.

That’s why Aaron Miller decided to visit some students at Eastern Hancock High School Monday. Miller told English students his journey of survival and redemption.

Years ago, Miller remembers sitting in a similar classroom listening to an addict sharing their story.

“When I was in high school I didn’t think the guy knew what he was talking about,” explained Miller.

Today, the recovering drug addict and alcoholic is 11 months and 16 days sober.

“I’m just here to tell them it can happen to anybody, a disease and an addiction doesn’t discriminate,” said Miller.

It wasn’t just heroin that Miller tried. He admits to snorting Oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet and Fentanyl. The addiction led to a daily habit of looking for anywhere he could buy black tar heroin. He didn’t use alone.

“My best friend got me high for the first time. He died August 9, 2009 while I was in prison. He was my best friend and when he died he was all by himself,” explained Miller.

Miller sees these speaking engagements as a way to serve the community as well as keep him sober.

“It’s pretty powerful. I felt like they cared, that I might have got through to somebody,” said Miller.

Aaron is now working construction and has teamed up with Overdose Lifeline, Inc. The organization teaches high schoolers about the dangers of opiates in prescription medications and heroin.

Tune in to 24-Hour News 8 on Thursday, Feb. 4 as we put the spotlight on Indiana’s struggle with heroin with our special Heroin at Home: Heartache and Hope.

Join us for a special half-hour at 6:30 p.m. where one state lawmaker will share her family’s story of heroin and how she is trying to put a stop to addiction.

We’ll also have a panel of experts who will examine the problems and offer solutions to those who may need help.

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