Welcome buddy :). I too have just joined and even though we both have very differing backgrounds it seems we have arrived in very similar mindsets, its great to hear.

Similarly at a younger age I got in to drugs and dropped out of uni. Now I am a Reiki master and have just finished a degree in Occupational Therapy about to start work in a secure unit. Now with the plan of saving to set up an Ayurvedic mental health center. Namaste my friend, consciousnesses it truly awakening and it GREAT :) !!!