A Little Positivity in Trying Times

The news has not exactly been brimming with positivity recently, as 2020 will undoubtedly go down as a historic year. Between the protests, looting and riots stemming from current tragic events and racial inequality and injustice, the COVID-19 pandemic and lives lost along with the economic fallout from the quarantine that has adversely affected numerous businesses, homes, and families, the year has been full of heartbreak on a global scale.

In my direct line of sight, however, things have been far more positive, and this seems like a good time for me to share those experiences.

Working in the field of addiction comes with it is ups and downs, as to see the good that comes from recovery you must first start with the pain that accompanies addiction. Seeing where addicts start when they come through the doors here is the hard part because life hits hard for addicts and their families. But that is what makes the next part so incredible to be a part of, and what continually reaffirms that I could not be in a better place for my life to make a difference in other people’s lives.

I am reminded of one case, a guy close to my age and with a similar addiction background, walking through the reception door to start the Narconon program. I remember greeting him like it was yesterday. He reeked of alcohol, had little energy to stand, was frail and unkempt, and terrified of going to treatment and confronting his addiction. He was skeptical, this was not his first rodeo at a treatment center. He had found the willingness to give it another shot, however, and the transformation that followed over the next 3 months during his program and the months since he finished and left is the type of miracle that I get to routinely be a part of here. By the time he did graduate, the guy that could barely stand or sit still for 30 seconds without shaking, looked healthy and happy. His personality beamed bright. He laughed, he joked around, he was engaging and clean cut. He was happy. He has also made a wonderful transition back into society, living in a healthy environment with a good support group, holding a good job with improved relationships with his family. He is what some would call a walking miracle, one of so many who make the decision to get help and then follow through with the commitment to a better life.

There is another that has been on my mind lately. This girl went through what I like to call the emotional roller coaster that is so often the case when drugs and/or alcohol are removed from the body. Once the numbing effect that is caused by alcohol and drug dependency is removed, emotions can be all over the place. Seeing this roller coaster of emotions stabilize with this person throughout her program into a bright and happy young woman, filled with excitement and energy on what new possibilities the future now holds was a sight to behold. I know what this program did for my own life and being able to see that take hold in others as they move through their own programs is one of my greatest joys in life today.

I could write a book about all the success stories that have happened here and who knows, maybe one day I will be compelled to do just that. For now, I simply want this message of positivity to reach someone out there who is going through the pain of addiction and for them to know that there is a solution out there with good people who are willing to dedicate their lives and professions to helping people overcome addiction. If you or anyone you know is struggling, please reach out.