From Homeless and High, to Successful and Sober: The Story of a Survivor
Before I came to Narconon Suncoast, I was homeless, sleeping on the ground in a cardboard box. The only way I could fall asleep was if I was high. My addiction started innocently enough, or so I thought. I was smoking weed and drinking occasionally. I wanted to get higher so I started snorting cocaine, smoking crack, taking ecstasy and shooting meth. I got hooked on pain pills as well. At this point, I no longer cared about anyone or anything. I didn’t care about myself, my body, my family, or my friends. I could’ve cared less if I was dead. I took anything just to stay high.
I cheated and I lied to people who really cared about me. I hurt everyone I loved. I was legally missing for 3 or 4 days. When I came back to my neighborhood, I hadn’t even realized how long I was gone because I was so high. There were posters of my face on every block, saying that I was missing. I realized that I was either going to be dead or end up in prison soon.
The day after I came back to my neighborhood and found out that I was a missing person, my mom came to pick me up from my boyfriend’s house. I somehow knew we weren’t going home. We pulled up to Narconon Suncoast. Two staff members who didn’t know me, but cared enough about my well-being, convinced me to stay and do the program. I was resistant, at first, and I told them I wouldn’t start the program unless I could get high first. Let’s just say they talked me out of it.
I knew that being in rehab was the best outcome for me; much better than sleeping in a cardboard box and getting high just to be able to sleep. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.
When I first got here I had no confidence. I wasn’t even comfortable being in my own company. I’ve gained 100% of my confidence back and I am certain of what I want for myself. I have raised my standards of living for the first time. I am righting my wrongs and have learned to take full responsibility for my actions and now have control over my life. I can have real happiness and I’ve never felt better! I got to know myself better than ever before. I can now really be me.
My family used to always worry about me. They didn’t trust me at all and I was constantly hurting them and abandoning them. But now, I’ve regained their trust and I am making up for the damages I’ve caused them. They are so happy I am getting my life back on track and, for once in a really long time, they are actually PROUD of me!
If anyone is thinking of coming to Narconon Suncoast, my advice to you is to do it before it’s too late. Life is too short and far too beautiful to throw away because of drugs. Trust me when I say that doing this program is more than worth it and you won’t regret it. So come to Narconon Suncoast, get your life back together and find yourself again!
Much Love,
J.L.
