By C.F. - Narconon Arrowhead Graduate

As my one year anniversary to the admission of the Narconon Arrowhead Drug Rehabilitation and Education Program is upon me, I find my life has done a 180 degree turn about!

After thirty-two years of substance abuse and "living on the edge," my days of partying finally consumed me to the point where I was physically, emotionally, and almost financially drained. I was totally lost in a deep dark hole I could not climb out of this time! I called my father and told him I wasn't ready to die!

As I type this, it brings tears to my eyes to know that after all the terrible things I had done over the years to myself and my family that they did not want me to leave this world either! I asked my father to send me away for a while and off to Oklahoma I flew! Where, I asked, was Oklahoma? All he said is that it is very cold (anything is cold to a Floridian!) and it would be warm out there before I returned home, so I packed accordingly.

When I arrived at Narconon I spent a week in withdrawal, rebelled and ran up to my room when I was introduced to the first course, but finally managed to make it through it. Then one of the longest battles was in the sauna program. The wonderful staff there kept telling me "It takes as long as it takes." I heard that so many times, obviously this program wasn't in it for the money and did not rush me through it.

I appreciate their patience and perseverance with me and all their students, when you put a bunch of rebels together, you know it can't be an easy task. After the sauna program, I went back to the book work; these life changing books were more difficult for me than six years of college! Yes, I thought of myself as a level headed "functional" substance abuser and that I could always keep the edge. I was totally wrong and very humbled! It could happen to anyone! After five long months in the Narconon Program, I felt like I had finally mastered the text in the wonderful technology that L Ron Hubbard created and I still put that information to use today!

Whoever said you can't teach and old dog new tricks has never been a student at Narconon Arrowhead; it was my first rehab center and I was determined for it to be my last! Although, I still have some mending to do with my family and I am still battling with the courts to get my daughter back, I have to remind myself everyday that it was my actions that put me in this situation that I do so hate, but I remain strong enough not to go there again and to be the parent I should have been in the first place.

Many thanks to my family and the wonderful staff at Narconon Arrowhead for helping me learn how to survive, well, not just survive but to live and enjoy life again in a world without drugs and alcohol.

I think the key to this program is to keep an open mind and be patient! "It takes as long as it takes!" Gook luck to all and I wish you as much success as I have had.

Sincerely,

C.F. - Narconon Arrowhead Graduate