A letter from a Mother of one of our students:

"TO THE PARENTS AND FAMILIES OF DRUG USERS.

"Drugs don't just affect the lives of the drug taker, but every one connected to them.

"We suffer in different ways, but every bit as much.

"I watched in pain and powerless despair, as my once beautiful, sensitive, intelligent daughter turned into a desperate, emaciated drug-wreck, barely looking human, and grimly surviving by resorting to undesirable means to pay for the drugs that were killing, not only her, but also a part of me.

"Our family had occasional glimpses of hope, when she began various programs to try to break free from the vicious hold of heroin, amphetamines and pills.

"We watched Methadone, Naltrexone, Twelve step, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Minimum Harm and Counseling programs, all fail.

"None were effective, and each time they failed, the slide back into the hell of drugs left us all feeling more hopeless, helpless and lost than before.

"My mother, provided a ray of hope.

"She found in her local newspaper the picture of a happy mother and daughter, and read their success story, through the Narconon Program, a drug rehabilitation program with an over 60% success rate.

"My daughter spoke with them, not able to believe anyone could really break free from drugs and stay 'clean.'

"It took three months, a house eviction, and a near jail sentence to break through her drug-blurred reality, and agree to try this new hope, and it was the happiest day for me, in the ten years of her drug taking history, when she stepped onto that plane!

"Yes, it did cost money--about the same cost as the funeral which she was heading for--and it was the best money I have ever spent.

"It took nine months for my daughter to complete the program, beginning with a drug-free withdrawal, followed by a deep cleansing sauna and exercise routine to completely remove all re-stimulating drug residuals from the body. Then continued a series of skill and life building programs to consolidate and re-educate her into reclaiming her life and place in society.

"She graduated from the program, a strong, aware, happy, healthy, competent, able young woman, ready to take her place in the world.

"We are now extremely fortunate to have the Narconon Program in Sydney.

"From the depths of my heart, I thank God for this Program, and hope that my story will encourage other families to get their sons and daughters into Narconon, and to trust that there is a way that really works!"

Sincerely, and with my best wishes, E. C.