How I Overcame Drugs and Found Purpose

My story begins in East LA, growing up with a mother who worked hard to provide for us and was always there for me. I was 10 years old at a time when drugs had just exploded into the teenage rock-and-roll world, and like many of my friends, I started using them. Through my teens, I experimented with marijuana, speed, LSD, meth, and PCP, and I rapidly slipped into the dark side of life—just surviving day to day with no direction, no sense of community, no goals, losing friends and girlfriends, disconnected from my family, and inevitably ending up in jail.

At that point, my mother stepped in and got me to Narconon. At first, I objected to being there and returned to my drug connections in San Diego, but with nowhere else to go, I came back to Narconon—albeit with a suitcase full of drugs. Fortunately, the drugs were discovered, and I was forced to let them go. This time, I made the decision to take responsibility for my life and commit to completing the Narconon drug rehab program.

The program was life-changing. The sauna detox cleared my mind and body, and I learned to study, communicate, and be present without the fog of drugs clouding my thoughts. I became close friends with a fellow named Gary, who later became the executive director of the center and ran it successfully for many years.

“Watching someone transform from drug dependence to being clear-minded and drug-free was an incredible experience.”

I graduated the Narconon program in 1978 and eventually joined the Narconon staff myself and worked there for two years, specializing in helping newcomers through withdrawal. Watching someone transform from drug dependence to being clear-minded and drug-free was an incredible experience.

What I consider my real success in life and in the world of drug rehab began in the 1980s. After leaving Narconon staff and starting my own business, I began volunteering for Narconon in PR activities, including a “Stunt Show and Drag Race.” I took over a group called Friends of Narconon, and one of my first projects was sponsoring a large softball game with celebrities, a radio station, and 3,000–4,000 attendees. The purpose of the event was to raise money for drug education, and I loved it. At the same time, I realized we needed to address the drug problem on a much larger scale, so I began introducing the Narconon Drug Education program directly into public schools.

During this time, I also helped produce a national advertising campaign for Narconon to encourage individuals addicted to drugs to enter the program. This campaign was instrumental in helping many people break free from drugs and was a major way for me to make a difference.

One of the things I am most proud of is the team effort I experienced working with staff, many of whom were former drug users who learned to help others. Knowing I contributed alongside such a dedicated group of individuals—and did my part to help—is what it’s all about for me.

My message to those currently using drugs is simple: You can continue to live with your addiction, or you can choose a long and happy life without it—the choice is yours.

I also have a message for those who have completed the Narconon program and overcome their addiction: WELL DONE! Now stay connected to the group that helped you. Find a way to give back in whatever capacity you can. There is no price you can put on freedom from drug addiction. Being involved as a volunteer or staff member is the best support you can have. It is incredibly satisfying to go to bed at night knowing, without a doubt, that you made a difference.

—Robert H., Narconon Graduate