The Addiction "Expert"

I really don't like reading blogs where average Joes introduce themselves as an expert simply because they spent a great deal of their lives on a particular addiction. Experts are those who spend days upon days researching the field, that get paid and it is their job to coach about addiction, not someone who thinks of it as their personal life story to share and profit from.
I have read blogs from all over of people who claim they are experts but are just your average run of the mill former addict, like myself. I do not claim to be an addiction expert. I simply share my stories and offer to help any one who seeks it.
People don't realize that getting over an  addiction shouldn't have to cost you money. a lot of people have said, I cannot afford to get help. Well expert or not, you should never have to pay for coaching if you can do the work yourself,  but you have to be dedicated to it.
No addict is the same, you yourself has to be ready to quit. You can't expect a coach or expert to make you quit, that's not how it works. Blogger success stories do give helpful hints on that first step, but they aren't going to make you quit, God is not going to make you quit, you can ask him, but its always up to you. There is always help to get started for free. Blogs are the perfect example of a starting ground. If you still need help and you feel the severity of your case needs medical attention then it is time to seek professional or a doctor. Admitting you have a problem is step 1. Pre-treating is step 2. Don't let anyone who isn't certified and licensed talk you into paying for their services. They are just trying to make a buck when their services are probably online free somewhere.
I am not an expert, I will not portray myself as one or say I am for publicity. I am just a simple blogger with a story and an idea. Any person like myself can help you start your first steps in recovery, and the best part about it, is we are free! I am not trying to step on the toes of any counselors or doctors because what they do is great, I am just saying, most people I have known have said, I can't seek help because I can't afford to. Or they say they are embarrassed, self help is a guide and you can do it in private, it is ready and waiting for you everywhere, all you have to do is take that first step then go forward from there. You cannot go backwards in life, there is only forward, how you plant your path is up to you, the sooner you fertilize that field, the faster you dreams of being sober will grow.