Hello I am in my 30's and a father of three. I am the head of 2 departments and am great at what I do and am very much a family man.

Over 12 yrs ago I cleaned up from a devastating oxy contin addiction, I couldn't hold a job nor could I be available or present with my family. I came very close to overdose a few times and hit rock bottom. I entered into my 3rd treatment facility and actually worked a program of recovery that time around, which allowed me to achieve true and lasting sobriety. 

3.5 years after getting clean I was suffering from a condition that would've ment going back to prescription pain killers. I was desperate for a different way. I am terrified of the effect the prescription pain killers would have on my life now. I did a great deal of research and found kratom. I believe Kratom quite literally saved my life because I know going back to the prescription pain pills is a death sentence for me and living in the constant pain I was experiencing was grinding me down to a point of doing things out of desperation. Suicide was an option as a way out. I was in a dark place. Kratom significantly improved my situation and for that I'll always be grateful. 

I took kratom for 7.5 years. I quit taking it last year because overtime, I was able to heal my body and cope with the lasting issues I have without needing it. I was finally in a place to not need it. 

Again, I do not support a ban. Please consider the lives that will be destroyed by banning something that very well could be their only hope.

Thank you,