Authentic Voices. Important Topics.

Lynn Marie Smith
Inspiring. Empowering. Life-saving.

At the age of 19, Lynn moved from small-town Pennsylvania to New York City to pursue a career in theatre. She was exposed to new people, new challenges, and a completely new way of life; a way of life that included drugs. Lynn wasn't old enough to sit at a bar and order a drink, but she could sit in her apartment and order any narcotic of her choice. Lynn tried pot, acid, cocaine, ketamine, heroin, ecstasy, and she washed them all down with endless amounts of alcohol. Drugs not only made her willing to forget her dream, they made her forget who she was. Lynn started using more and more. Within months, her life spiraled out of control. She worked only to support her habit. Her time was spent getting high, dancing at clubs, and slipping closer to death. Lynn rarely ate or slept, and when she did sleep, she had nightmares and panic attacks. She ignored her deteriorating condition until it was almost too late. One night she began to hallucinate. Detached from reality, she was trapped in a nightmare.

Lynn spent fourteen days in a psychiatric ward receiving treatment. While in the hospital, her doctor performed a neuro-spec scan of her brain which revealed the damage she had inflicted on herself through repeated drug abuse. The image of her brain was compared to that of a 70-year old woman who had suffered multiple strokes. Lynn was placed on antipsychotics, antidepressants, sleeping medications, and mood stabilizers, basically trading one set of drugs for another. Her real struggle had just begun. Lynn had to heal and move forward but before she could do that, she needed to figure out what went wrong. She had to find a firm foundation and rebuild her life from the ground up. Recovery — and sobriety — wasn't easy. Lynn soon realized that with drugs and alcohol, she had been going for the 'easy answer'.

Inspired to help others avoid the trap she fell into, Lynn reached out to major news organizations. She appeared on MTV's True Life, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and many other television shows to talk about her experience with addiction and the damage it caused her mind and body. She testified before Congress and became a member of the Advisory Board at the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Her book Rolling Away: My Agony with Ecstasy was published in 2005. Lynn corresponds with teens and young adults all over the world about substance abuse through her website and email, and these communications will form the basis for her next book, Dear Addict. She has told her story to thousands of students at high schools and colleges all across the country in personal appearances that draw rave reviews.

Bring Lynn Marie Smith to your campus. She'll convey the reality and consequences of substance abuse and remind people that they are stronger than they think; remind people that they have wings; remind people that they can fly.

The Response

"Lynn was wonderful. She really connects with students and everyone felt comfortable asking questions and sharing their own stories related to drug-abuse. Her informal style was a huge success and we will bring her back to our campus soon!"

Kathleen Bond
Program Board Convocations Chair
Belmont University

"Lynn's program is a real look at a problem many college students face. More importantly, the candid way she discusses the 'cool, fun' way in which she fell into a serious drug problem was eye-opening. Lynn is an upbeat speaker whose infectious energy makes her a joy to work with!"

Joseph Harvey
Lecture Chair of APSU Govs Programming Council

"The Pace Center for Girls in Lee County was treated to an exceptional and well-informed speaker. Lynn Marie Smith brought much needed, important, and relevant information to our young girls. Her story included the fantasy, excitement and parties all loaded with drugs, booze, and artificial friendships that were waiting for her. Lynn looks like a teen herself and the girls connected to her beautifully. They were captivated by the real life drama that became part of Lynn's journey and they saw and heard, first hand, how her romanticized world of dreams fell apart in the blink of an eye. The girls were truly moved by her powerful presentation, as was the staff. Thank you Lynn for taking the time to care and share your story with our Pace girls."

Allison Nunez Teacher
PACE Center for Girls

"Lynn's brave and unflinching examination of herself, her actions, and the choices that led her from a straight-A cheerleader at school to a crazed half-dead drug addict shows us the kind of determination it took for this young woman to stay clean. In the end, the hardness of her drug tale is lifted by her honesty and spunk, and love of family, friends, and life."

Loung Ung - Author
First They Killed my Father and Lucky Child

"I'd like to extend my gratitude to Lynn for the wonderful programs in Clearwater. I know her story had a huge impact; people are still talking about it here. Lynn's personal and honest story of drug abuse and recovery captivated audiences of all ages."

Jennifer Obermaier
Public Library, Clearwater FL

"Lynn Marie Smith's presentation was moving, powerful and was well received by all the youth present. Right now I have a Juvenile Detention Center full of kids who all want to write personal letters to her. Keep doing what you're doing Lynn, you have no idea what an impact your words have on these kids."

Vincent P. Vurro
Superintendent
Southwest Regional Juvenile Detention Center

"Lynn Marie Smith moves people. Her smile is infectious. She is a joy to work with. Fresh, hip and in tune with the world that she so passionately speaks about. Her experiences have taken her on a path that is allowing her to touch the hearts, souls and minds of those who need it most."

Donnie Vick
Sun Studios, FL

"Lynn provided powerful real life experiences that brought home the reality of choices. Many of the students stayed after the lecture and spoke to Lynn Marie about their real life experiences. They felt empowered and knew that someone else understood their pain. I will bring her back so that her story can resonate with the student experience. Thanks, Lynn, your story was transforming."

Krissie Harris
Coordinator of Student Activities
Oakton Community College

"Lynn gave a heartfelt talk about her experiences that touched the audience. We are still hearing people talk about her and her message."

Chris George
Student Activities
Harper College

Visit Lynn's website at http://www.lynnmariesmith.net.

To book this speaker, call (206) 529-4711 or email info@samaralectures.com