Ending Addiction Forever

"For many years I thought my situation was pretty much hopeless. My alcohol addiction and drug use continued to bring me down what seemed like a black hole of destruction. I thought I was going to die for sure, and even wished I would many times, especially when I was sitting in jail.

"But something inside me wouldn't let me give up. I knew that I was a good person and that I had the ability to be happy; that I had something to offer this world. I just didn't know how to do it or where to go for the right help.

"I had plenty of friends that had been in and out of treatment centers for their own addictions and I had heard them talk about being in recovery, which seemed rediculous to me since they were out getting drunk and high with me. 'It's a disease that you have to take one day at a time' they said. I thought to myself that if that is what it's like going to treatment then I am better off not going.

"Thankfully my family stepped in after they found a different type of program, one that was more of a rehabilitation for living than just a drug and alcohol treatment center. Of course I was scared at first, but it was obvious that I didn't like any other options that I had and so I decided to give it a shot.

"After about two months into it I started to notice a significant change in the way that I viewed myself and others. I wasn't looking through fogginess and I could see and think more clearly. I found myself engaging others and being interested in life and activities again. I wasn't afraid of my past anymore or ashamed of it, but instead I was excited for the future. I had a clean slate with no limits and was so thankful for the opportunity at a new life.

"Since I completed the program many years ago I have accomplished many goals, including starting a family of my own. I am successfully self-employed and I try and share my experiences with others if I think it will help. I don't go to meetings, take medications or feel the need to see a therapist or counselor, because it is all behind me now and will stay there forever." - L.C. - Recovered