Author hopes book helps others in fight

Brent Whiting - The Arizona Republic - Apr. 10, 2007 

Glendale resident David Leary, an ex-convict, doesn't mince words when he talks about his former life as a hard-core narcotics user and drug dealer.

He says he was trapped in a vicious lifestyle before a 1987 narcotics arrest that landed him in prison for 5 1/2 years.

"I nearly overdosed 10 times," Leary said. "And I tried to commit suicide at least once by putting a gun to my head." 

Leary was taken into custody in March 1987 after police raided a Glendale home and seized automatic weapons and $26,000 worth of cocaine.

Leary, 45, said that through the grace of God, he has been drug-free for 16 years and he is upbeat about himself.

"Life is great being free from drugs and alcohol, being able to think, being able to enjoy life," he said. "I appreciate life more than I ever have before."

Leary said that through his church, Azuza World Ministries, he works with other people trying to rid themselves of destructive drug habits.

"It's my way of giving back," Leary said. "I'm just someone who is trying to make a difference with other people."

Leary, who is married with four children ages 15 to 29, has written a soon-to-be-published book about his hard-fought victory over drugs and crime. 

He said The Beast Within! Destroyer of Souls! will come off the press later this month.

Leary said that until he found a faith-based solution to his drug and crime problems, he had little chance of throwing off the shackles.

"Nobody but God could have taken these destructive things out of my life," Leary said. "Now, I hope other people will take heart to what I'm saying."

Leary said his book will be available through several Web sites. Details: www.myspace.com/davesbooks.