Narconon Worked for Me—And It Saved My Life

I grew up in middle America. I was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, but spent much of my early life moving around and living at different times with my mom, my dad, and both of my grandmothers. As a result, I felt a lack of stability growing up, but I also remember good times—hanging out with my cousins, enjoying swimming in local swim holes and clear country creeks.

I first started smoking marijuana when I was in the Navy’s “A” school. Before that, I had never had any interest in drugs and had refused numerous attempts by peers to get me to try them. But after being asked several times by some of my fellows in the Navy, I eventually gave in and, unfortunately, that decision carried on after I finished my term. My life became a continuous party of alcohol, hash, marijuana, uppers, downers, and eventually my drug of choice ─ cocaine.

I got a job driving trucks long distance as an “over-the-road” driver, which didn’t help. There were simply too many opportunities to find and buy drugs while on the road.

I wanted to stop, and I tried several different rehab programs, but they weren’t enough to handle my addiction.

Then one day my brother told me about Narconon. At that time I was at the point they call “chasing the white rabbit”—when all you think about and live for is getting the next rock. And just when I knew I couldn’t go on like this, my brother told me he would help me and take care of things at home. All I had to do was go to Narconon, do the program, and get off the drugs.

I was ready, and in October 2014 I drove myself to Narconon Arrowhead and enrolled in the program. I found the staff to be supportive, professional, and committed to helping me succeed. One of the counselors became a good friend and was always there when I needed help. I’ll admit, I was a bit belligerent and stubborn at times—but I stayed with it. I had made the decision to go the distance, and I did. Eventually, I even earned the trust of the staff and became a senior student, helping to watch over newer participants.

I completed the program and have been clean ever since, and I know that my brother is proud that he was able to help me. And he should be; he and Narconon saved my life.

About ten years ago, I lost my wife to cancer, and went through an extremely difficult time, but I never gave in to any temptation to handle the pain by using drugs. My family stepped up once more—my father talking to me every day, and my brothers regularly checking in to make sure I was okay. I have a small family, but we are very close, and I’m thankful to all of them.

“You need to take the time to fully commit. Do the program. Absorb what you’re learning. If you do that, you can go home clean.”

My biggest win is, of course, staying clean. But one individual moment that stands out was at my graduation. I noticed a newer student who seemed unsure about doing the program, and I could tell he didn’t really believe the program would work. In my graduation speech, I shared that I had come to Narconon somewhat defiant and reluctant to fully participate. But I had to ask myself how much I was willing to give to save my life. I told the other students, “You need to take the time to fully commit. Do the program. Absorb what you’re learning. If you do that, you can go home clean.”

After the ceremony, that same student came up to me and asked if I truly meant what I said, and I told him I did. He said he had thought this would just be another failed attempt, but hearing me speak made him believe he could actually return home to his family clean.

If I were to meet someone today who is struggling with drug use, I would tell them this: First, you have to truly want to be clean and focus on that goal. I would tell them that Narconon worked for me. And most importantly, I would tell them if they are going to voluntarily go to a rehab program, commit to it fully. Do it to the best of your ability. Remember what it felt like to be “chasing the rabbit”—and let that drive you to follow through and complete the program.

E.L., Narconon Graduate