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It all started with an Adderall prescription for ADHD that turned Ian Ale from a C student to an A student. Then came the break-in where his medication was stolen. A neighbor offered something "similar" to help him stay focused in college. That seemingly small decision launched a journey through methamphetamine addiction, federal prison, and ultimately, redemption.

What follows is a raw, unflinching account of how quickly life can spiral out of control. Within months, Ian went from a promising college senior to facing DEA agents at his door. His vivid descriptions of county jail and federal prison pull no punches - from his first fight within minutes of arrival to the hellscape of segregated housing where he spent his first two weeks in custody. All while his girlfriend was pregnant with their daughter.

But this isn't just a cautionary tale. It's a powerful testimony about transformation. While incarcerated, Ian participated in rehabilitation programs, reconnected with his faith, and had the profound realization that he had given his power to substances rather than recognizing his own inner strength.

The turning point came when a church member offered Ian employment as a carpenter upon his release - a profession that has since become his passion. Now married with two daughters, Ian reflects on how his darkest moments led to his greatest blessings, including a deeper appreciation for life's simple freedoms most take for granted.

Whether you're battling addiction, know someone who is, or simply need a reminder of the human capacity for change, this conversation will move you. As Ian says to those still struggling: "You're powerful. You have everything you need already." His journey proves that no matter how far you've fallen, redemption is possible.

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