Lauren Windle took her first line of cocaine when she was eighteen a decision that marked the beginning of her journey into addiction. Now four years clean she shares her story of addiction, recovery and freedom, outlining the 12 steps to recovery through the perspective of her story. Journalist and recovering addict Lauren Windle found freedom from addiction using the in-depth introspection of a 12-step programme. She now helps others do the same. But Lauren believes it’s not just those who have hit rock bottom who need self-reflection and shares the lessons everyone could learn from recovering addicts. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx