Charlie Miller is quite open when recounting his first time getting drunk. He was in eighth grade, and excessive drinking eventually put him into a coma. Even after recovering, Miller continued to drink, soon adding the use of drugs such as tobacco and marijuana, and eventually harder, more addictive drugs.

During and after his college years, Miller experienced difficulty maintaining relationships in both his professional and personal life. His emotional development had been stunted by years of drug and alcohol abuse, and Miller finally realized he had to take responsibility for his life.

Now clean and sober for nearly two decades, Miller is a prevention consultant from Coral Springs, Florida, who speaks honestly and openly to middle and high school students throughout the United States about his own addictions to nicotine, alcohol and other drugs. Miller blames simple curiosity, coupled with pressures to "fit in," for his many years of drug and alcohol use. He also provides strategies, responses, and affirmation that being drug-free and alcohol-free throughout life is an individual responsibility.

From current research on a broad range of topics ranging from "designer drugs" to dependency as a family problem, from alternative ways to have fun to skills for coping with stress, as well as the value of positive peer pressure, Miller brings his powerful message to communities across the country.

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