Roots and Recovery: A Southern Story of Strength

I am an Arkansas native – born and raised and still living there. It is a beautiful state, often called The Nature State because of its natural landscapes and outdoor activities such as the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, and lakes in which I loved to swim, boat and jet ski as a child and teen.

I had a normal life as a child and teenager. I used some marijuana when I was 16, but when I really got into drugs was when I was 28 years old. I was going through a time in my life that I would describe as chaotic, dramatic and full of anxiety, and I started doing cocaine and meth and quickly became addicted.

At that time, I was raising an 8-year-old son and a 2½ year old daughter, and was also going to school. However, with the drug use, I could not do a good job with any of those, and I realized that I needed to get help.

“A friend of mine, who had in the past had a similar drug problem, told me about the Narconon program, which he had successfully done. It sounded like it was just what I needed.”

A friend of mine, who had in the past had a similar drug problem, told me about the Narconon program, which he had successfully done. It sounded like it was just what I needed.

When I got to Narconon Arrowhead I was a bit scared because I had never done a rehab program and had no idea what it would be like.

But the staff were great, very friendly and helpful and I did the program and have never done drugs since. One of the big wins that I had on the program was learning good communication skills, both talking to others and being able to let them express their feelings to me. I also I gained back my clarity of mind and ability to make decisions without the drugs clouding my mind.

Before leaving the program I inventoried my life and what I had been doing with it, and made some goals for the future which I have been able to stick to.

I have a good job, I love to travel to different places in the world, and I am planning my next trip right not.

My proudest accomplishment is raising my children to be happy and successful adults, both now working as professionals in different fields.

For others with an addiction problem, I would say the following: don’t be afraid to reach out, there are people who will understand and help.

C.H., Narconon Graduate