Her battle with addiction made headlines just months after she was crowned Miss USA in 2006.Today, Tara Conner is spreading a message of hope and recovery.  She brought that message to the Upstate Wednesday night.Conner spoke to dozens of people at the 15th anniversary celebration of Greenville County drug court.The program is an alternative to incarceration for those who committed crimes as a result of addiction.About 3,700 people are currently in the program.“I don't think any of us wake up and say being an addict sounds like a great idea,” said Conner.Conner said her battle with addiction was made very public.“It wasn't that I was a bad person trying to do better, it was that I was a sick person trying to get well,” said Conner.Conner has been sober for more than seven years and she has a new lease on life.“Our past and our mistakes do not have to define the people we become,” said Conner.Faces and Voices of Recovery  or “Favor" of Greenville is hosting Conner.  Executive Director Rich Jones says Conner’s words make a big impact, especially on young people.“Her story is very very powerful.  You can land on your feet again and you can reclaim your life,” said Jones.Jones said about 25 percent of those who come into favor are in their 20s and younger, and many of them are from good homes.“This is taking kids out.  It's happening to good kids from good families -- it's unexpected,” said Jones.Conner wants to stomp out the stigma.“My idea of an alcoholic was the old man that lived under the bridge drinking out of his paper sack, and I think that's what the nation's idea is of an alcoholic is,” said Conner.Conner said she is the face of addiction, but also the face of hope.“I give myself a little grace sometimes and say, 'You know what?  You are doing the best job that you can,'” said Conner.