From Addiction to Achievement: My Journey of Redemption and Success

I was born in California but raised in Utah, where I still live today.

Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, I worked alongside my parents in their businesses. When I wasn’t doing that, one of the highlights of my life was dirt biking and motocross racing. At the same time, I was just a boy trying to figure out life, which often felt like a challenge.

Around the age of 14 or 15, I started drinking beer and occasionally smoking marijuana with friends on the weekends. By 17, I had become an addict, using pain pills, cocaine, and some heroin, and eventually turning to meth at 21 as a cheaper alternative to cocaine. At that point, my life spiraled out of control—I lost everything, including my family. Trouble with the law followed, leading to prison time.

“I went through several state-mandated drug rehab programs before enrolling in the Narconon program. I found Narconon to be far more effective and impactful than the others.”

I went through several state-mandated drug rehab programs before enrolling in the Narconon program. I found Narconon to be far more effective and impactful than the others. At the time, I was at a crossroads: rehab or jail. I chose Narconon.

The lessons I learned in the Narconon program stayed with me and played an important role in helping me transform my life, break free from drugs, and leave my criminal lifestyle behind for good.

I cut ties with the people and places connected to drugs and left that life behind for good.

My advice to anyone caught up in a drug or criminal lifestyle is to take an honest look at their life and ask themselves if they are truly being the person they want to be. I did, and today, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. This Fall, I’m graduating with honors from university, I’ve been invited to join the National Leadership Society, and I’ve received an offer to help teach diesel technology students.

I’m a good father to my kids, have regained the support of my family, and am now in a position to help them as well. I continue to apply what I learned at Narconon, and its principles have been a cornerstone in strengthening my resolve as I build my future. I’m proud of who I am today.

Justin, Narconon Graduate