Overcoming Addiction at Narconon
There are many different aspects to the Narconon Program that build upon each other. After a person has completed a portion of their program they then have an opportunity to write up any wins that they feel they have achieved. The following is a collection of success stories from several different students written after various stages of their treatment.
Drug-Free Withdrawal
“Upon arriving to the Drug-Free Withdrawal part of the program, I thought I would never feel physically energized and at the same time, clean and sober. After 5 days, I’ve connected with the other students and staff. I have laughed more than I thought and I’m truly optimistic about not just my future at Narconon, but my future as a whole. Leaving the past in the past was difficult, but I’m surprised at how good I feel even just after 5 days in withdrawal. I never had my proof before that genuine, clean, sober people existed.” —Tyler
“During my time in withdrawal, I came to a point in myself where I’ve reached a calm center that allows me to look forward to the rest of my life. I have started to gain rather than lose in my new life, and for that I am quite glad.” —Chase
New Life Detoxification
“Before starting the New Life Detoxification program, I was very unhealthy due to drinking alcohol and not maintaining a healthy diet. After completing the program, I physically feel healthy again due to the nutrients that I was given, along with sweating out all the toxins in my body. Mentally my mind is clean again and I feel like I can process information better now. Overall I feel like the sauna program was the best thing for me mentally and physically.” —Carl
“The Sauna was great and opened my eyes to my future and who I need to be. At first, my body was numb from alcohol use, but after the Sauna, I felt my emotions come back. I now realize the dangers I put myself, my wife, and my family through. The Sauna put me through a rebirth and I feel great, like a brand-new man. Thanks to the Sauna my body is cleansed, and I now have a clean future.” —Garnett
Objectives
“During Objectives I realized that I actually like and enjoy being in control of my situations and surroundings. I have never really been in control of my own life considering that I was kept in a relationship for the past 19 years with my husband who was very mentally abusive. I never knew any different than to accept what he told me. I thought that was the only way, but now getting sober and staying away from him and those surroundings, I know that I don’t need to be controlled. I am finally in control of my own life and it feels wonderful.” —Sommer
“I had no sense of reality before coming to Narconon. Objectives have made me realize things about my past I never had considered. Memories that had been temporally forgotten due to years of substance abuse were brought to the surface. I got a clearer sense of reality; cleaner than I ever thought was possible. Objectives gave me the ability to be confront my past, be comfortable and content in the present, and give me hope for the future. I feel more confident and secure and finally feel like I know myself for the first time in my life. It is so awesome to look in the mirror and genuinely love the woman that’s looking back at me.” —Amber
Overcoming Ups and Downs
“Overcoming Ups and Downs has helped me determine the good and helpful people in my life. I now know I need to cut ties with those that may be detrimental to my life and sobriety. It was difficult at times, but I can now see the benefits of this book and my recent actions.” —Aleka
“Ups and Downs helped me figure out who was good for me and who I should probably cut ties with. It helped me define these people by their actions instead of by my emotions.” —Corrina
Personal Values
“The Personal Values course was rough at times. It was difficult to see that I was a good person until I became addicted to drugs and completely lost myself. I did things that I never thought I would and it was not easy to relive them. I do believe writing these out is absolutely necessary to remain sober. It feels good to take responsibility for my actions and in turn, move on from them. I feel both physically and mentally lighter and I look forward to getting back to the good person I know I once was.” —Juliana
“I was able to get things off my chest that I have never told anyone. I saw a relationship between my drug use and my family relationship issues that I can work on.” —Stephen
Changing Conditions in Life
“I have accomplished a lot here at Narconon but one of the most important lessons I learned is that I can be happy being sober and happy with myself. I learned how to identify and navigate my condition and how to spot triggers that may set me back. I am thankful to the staff for getting me through the hardest thing I have ever done in quitting drugs.” —Chris
“Finishing up the Changing Conditions in Life course gave me a new insight on the various phases of life and recommendations how I can fix them when needed.”
—Vince
Program Completion
“I am so proud of my accomplishments mentally and physically. My life means so much to me and I can now focus on the present. I have learned so much to help stay this way. Life is to be taken one day at a time and what is done is done. This program has made me a better man and the best of father. I am proud of myself and who I am because I now see I was always this way but trapped inside of a bottle. Thank you all so much for saving my life.” —Derrick
“When I came to Narconon in February, I was addicted to the use of prescription pills. I used them to cancel out the emotions I couldn’t confront and to sleep. I was also out of balance in my use of alcohol to numb how I felt about my job and my life. After completing the program I feel I am no longer addicted to drugs or alcohol and have logical and executable plans to live a sober life. I am able to confront and handle situations I used to avoid and I’m comfortable living in present time without being stuck in the past or frustrated or worried about the future.” —Steve
“My stay here at Narconon was extremely beneficial. I feel this was a missing puzzle piece to my life and now I will go home and start a new page. I’m excited to put into motion the things I have learned here and will continue to use the in my everyday life. I’m excited to go home!” —Rachel
(To preserve privacy, the photo does not show an actual Narconon student or graduate.)
