her story, and now she hopes it will open peoples' eyes to the true nature of addiction.

Tanya Hodgson tells her arduous tale in her autobiography "Through the Fire and Flood to the Will of God'', which she presented for the first time at the Prevention Resource Centre (PRC) late last week.

Executive Director for the Centre for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (CADA) Dominique Smith introduced Ms Hodgson by explaining how their association first began.

"When Tanya first approached us (CADA) requesting funding, we were not able to assist her at the time,'' Ms Smith said. "But we encouraged her and with her persistence her story was published. "We were pleased when she asked us to be part of the book release and to be able to provide PRC as the venue for a book signing.'' Ms Hodgson describes the book as an opportunity to bring people in the community to an awareness of what a life of abuse and addiction is really like.

She said: "Bermuda needs to know the real story rather than assumptions by onlookers and the gossip associated with the community.'' She added that she was grateful to CADA and everyone that had seen her through her many trials and tribulations for their help support and encouragement.

Ms Hodgson and the members of CADA previewed the book on Friday morning at the Prevention Resource Centre, The Stables, located on Reid Street.

Her story: Author Tanya Hodgson last week released her story of the struggle with addiction.

DRUGS DGS