Out of the Fog: Rebuilding a Life After Opioids

 

My drug problems, unfortunately like so many others, did not start on the streets or partying or being in with the wrong crowd, but with doctor prescribed opioid painkillers.

Before that, I had a very good life. I was raised in Texas and then Arizona, loved school and sports and was a very good athlete, excelling in wresting, baseball and football. I was in great physical shape and worked hard to stay that way. I had a good family life. My best memories were several awesome baseball and football seasons, and being with my family on holidays.

The drug problems started with a hamstring injury, for which I was prescribed OxyContin, a highly addictive opioid (basically synthetic heroin) medication. I became addicted and when the doctor stopped prescribing the drug, I learned to write my own scripts so I could continue using it. That eventually led to the use of real heroin.

The addiction caused a huge rift between me and my family, who lost faith in me. I lied to everyone, manipulated people, and messed up every relationship I tried to start, including almost losing the lady that eventually became my wife. I spent time in prison and made excuses for my situation and blamed others for it.

“For the first time in years I did not feel terrible, but instead felt physically refreshed and able to think normally again.”

It was my mother, ever supportive, who did the research that led to my doing the Narconon drug rehab program. Because I had always been physically fit and in shape, the idea of exercise and sauna and getting the drugs out of my body appealed to me first and when I did it, it really was amazing. For the first time in years I did not feel terrible, but instead felt physically refreshed and able to think normally again.

Other parts of the program helped me learn patience and to put into my life the most that I could. I was able to look at what I had done in the past and realize that it was exactly that, the past and that I could just take ownership for what I had done, make up the damage I had caused where possible and then move ahead into the future with no further attention on the past.

My advice to others who are currently addicted but have not taken the step to get into rehab is to recognize when you have reached rock bottom. The sooner you get there, the sooner you can recover! And then find a program like I did at Narconon and do it.

J.D., Narconon Graduate