When Lonnie Bushey was 6, he started drinking with his father, who told him it would put hair on his chest and make him a man.

For the last 11 years, the now-recovering addict has been relating his tale to audiences nationwide, never telling kids not to do drugs, but rather to be aware of the consequences and to make responsible choices. On Thursday, Bushey will speak to students at several Valley schools and to parents at a special adults-only, evening session at Millikan Middle School.