I'm writing in response to the article "Lecturer focuses on addiction" (Feb. 6). I'm a recovering addict myself and former Penn State student who began using hard drugs after arriving at University Park.

I think it's important to let college students, or anyone, know that drug addicts evolve from "recreational" or "social" users.

Most college students who use drugs put themselves in that category. It's important to stop the habit in the beginning before it gets out of control.

Addiction can become hardwired into our brains and is considered a disease, but it is still the job of the addict to take full responsibility for his or her actions. They are the ones who took that first drug.

I'm 27 years old, and I'm still trying to finish my degree. Drugs have not only taken seven years of my life away from me, but they have also completely ruined relationships with friends, family and loved ones.

I believe it is my job as a recovering addict to help those future addicts from ever becoming addicts.

And it starts with education.