[ebbv]

Yep I was a programmer at a university until 2002 when I had driven my own career into the ditch along with my personal life. I had to start over from a lower position after gathering my wits about me, and work my way back up.

The hardest part was getting that second chance, if you had a more senior job and you're applying for a lower one it's obvious to people there's something going on there. Your best bet is going to be honesty, and convey very clearly you've learned from your mistakes and that you want to improve, your open to feedback, etc.

Good luck.