I Have a Clean Slate and a Fresh Start
I felt ready to change when I got to Narconon’s withdrawal area. The first few nights were tough. I couldn’t sleep and was anxious. However, the mental exercises and assists helped me out a ton. In the end, my anxiety was almost gone, which I was so happy about, and I was excited to start the next step of the program.
After withdrawal, I went to sauna. The main thing I am happiest about from sauna is getting my sleep back. I can relax more, sit down, and watch a movie without my mind constantly going about different things. My anxiety has also gotten much better. I can think about more positive things and only about things I can be in control of. I’ve remembered some amazing moments I’ve had in my life. The bad always overcame them, but not anymore. I am happy I stuck it out and finished sauna. I feel clearer-minded.
Starting Objectives, I was agitated. I needed help understanding the process and how it could help me. After talking to my husband about it, he convinced me to stay calm and give it a chance. After a bit of fighting and trying to get out of it, I realized that I needed to start taking this seriously, and not only was I messing up my progress but my twin’s as well. My twin and I talked things out, and that’s when things started to change. I started listing more to her and understanding more. I began to open up about my realizations and regained abilities, and I started feeling more at peace with myself and her. That was a massive win for me. Objectives got me out of my head and more into the present time. Those were things I struggled with even before my addiction. The feeling of peacefulness in my head is amazing, and I’m so happy I gave Objectives a shot. I am now more calm when having conversations or upsets and more capable of listening, caring, and understanding people. I’ve also gained more of my personality with all the strategies I’ve gained. With my personality change, I have a better chance of keeping people in my life and fixing relationships that I have damaged.
After completing Objectives, I went on to life skills, and it was a great experience. I started with Overcoming Ups and Downs in Life and let my family members know I am accountable for my actions. It was tough at first, but I had excellent outcomes with it. I will have great relationships with my family members now, and I’ll be able to keep them in my life. I’m excited about what’s to come—a fresh start.
Going on to Personal Values was difficult. I felt so ashamed of myself for doing the things I did. I was nervous about letting out some things I’d done because most weren’t pretty. But I’ve also realized I’ve caused a lot of harm to myself, my family, my kids, and all aspects of my life that I am sorry for. Taking accountability for my actions feels so good, and I know I can feel relief from many things.
In Changing Conditions in Life, I felt so much relief within myself. I’ve made many mistakes and bad choices. I didn’t realize the damage I had caused myself and my kids, husband, and parents. Confronting the problems I have created was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. Being accepted back by my loved ones feels so amazing. I can’t wait to get home and apply what I have learned daily. It feels good to communicate my feelings and emotions appropriately without having to resort to drugs or alcohol.
“The staff that is here made me feel important. I could only have gotten the help I needed because of this program.”
My overall experience at Narconon was utterly life-changing for me. The staff that is here made me feel important. I could only have gotten the help I needed because of this program. I can start fresh again, and I’m so excited to move on to the next chapter and never go back.
S.F., Narconon Graduate