True Stories of Addiction: Alcohol Was My Gateway to Illegal Drugs
Brady grew up in a disconnected family with parents who secretly struggled with drug addiction. After getting his girlfriend pregnant, he married and began working at a liquor store, where he developed a heavy drinking habit. At 26, he tried cocaine and quickly became addicted, using it to stay awake and alcohol to sleep. Later, while working at a phone bank, he began using pain pills after a back injury. The pills made him feel good, and he soon relied on a mix of drugs and alcohol to function. Though he tried to cut back due to the financial cost, he wasn't concerned about health or legal risks—only the financial expenses.