13 Years Clean: How I Took Control and Reclaimed My Life

I was born in Houston, Texas, and grew up in Irvine, California. My early life showed all the signs of someone destined to succeed; I excelled in school, was a star athlete, and everything seemed to be going well.

Eventually, I did achieve success, but my journey was nearly derailed by drugs. My drug use began casually with friends in high school, starting with alcohol and marijuana. However, this escalated into psychedelics, followed by ecstasy and cocaine. My main substances of choice became alcohol and cocaine, which led to a full-blown addiction.

As my addiction deepened, it took a toll on my life. My marriage fell apart, I disengaged from my children’s lives, and I reached a point where I couldn’t make it through a full workday without shaking from alcohol withdrawal. I wasted thousands of dollars, and my only purpose became getting blackout drunk every night.

One day, I woke up with uncontrollable withdrawal symptoms and realized that I needed to make a change. I called my job and informed them I wouldn’t be coming in, and then I reached out to my mother for help. Initially, I tried a two-day detox, but that didn’t resolve the problem. My mother, girlfriend, and I searched online for solutions, and we discovered Narconon drug rehab, which we decided to pursue.

I arrived at the Narconon Center still drunk, even consuming alcohol on the plane there. That was the last drink I ever had. The staff were incredibly supportive. A staff member in the withdrawal unit, part of the program’s initial phase, took care of me by taking me on walks and providing vitamins and food until I was able to eat normally and was ready for the rest of the program. To this day, I maintain a healthy lifestyle and take vitamins every day.

I formed a friendship with another student, and together we supported each other to successfully complete the program, graduating on June 12, 2012. I still vividly remember my graduation. Despite being somewhat shy back then, I spoke about my triumph in finishing the program, being drug-free, and feeling proud of my progress. My wife and I celebrate June 12th every year in small ways, like going out to dinner, to commemorate the day my life changed and I regained control.

“I have been clean for 13 years, waking up each morning with the energy and motivation to accomplish my goals.”

Since overcoming my addiction, I have rebuilt my relationships with my family, all of whom supported me during my recovery. With their continued encouragement, I was able to start my own business. My son from a previous marriage now works for me. I married the girlfriend who helped me enter Narconon, and together we enjoy a wonderful marriage along with our son. I have been clean for 13 years, waking up each morning with the energy and motivation to accomplish my goals.

My advice to others struggling with drug addiction is to first remove themselves from their current environment and situation. Remember that nothing changes if nothing changes. Ask for help and be willing to accept it. I advocate for the Narconon program, as it worked for me. Finally, be prepared to put in the necessary effort to overcome addiction; the journey is yours to navigate, and no one can do it for you.

Justin C., Narconon Graduate