I stuck with marijuana and alcohol for a while but, when I got to high school and other drugs were introduced to me, I had no problem trying them. By this time I was addicted. Not necessarily addicted to any one thing, but I was addicted to being high. I would do anything offered to me and in massive amounts. It all seemed very normal and fun to me. It continued in college, but got much worse as there was much more available.
I flunked out of college and entered the work force. I chose a profession in the bar and restaurant industry, because it seemed to accept and almost promote drug and alcohol abuse. I would work in the bar and then spend my paycheck there at the end of the week.

After losing job after job due to my use, and after digging myself so deep in debt, and after my third time in jail for drunk driving enough was enough. With the help of a long-term drug rehab facility I was able to kick drugs and alcohol entirely.

I never realized life could be so great sober. I always thought I needed drugs and alcohol to deal with life. I realize now by using I was avoiding life rather than dealing with it.

While the patient is in the hospital, if he or she states that they wish to enter a treatment program, it is then determined by those responsible for patient care if medical detoxification might be a good idea. OK, so it’s been decided that medical detox is needed, and that procedure is done. A day or two later, (or maybe three – they are not sure, they have been asleep) each awakens from the general anesthesia they were given to find that the withdrawal process was sped up while they were unconscious. The patients are also better physically, so the addiction treatment program continues.

Everyone knows his or her strengths and weaknesses. Patient A knows that he would be better served by admitting himself to a facility, rather than try to resume the normal life at the time. Patient B opts for an outpatient program. Patient A has chosen a method based on a rewards system. Cooperation and participation earns him the right to do something. Each reward brings a feeling of self-confidence that he has not felt in a long time.

Even with the decision to enter a treatment program, and the method that is chosen, it is still a long, hard process. However, both Patient A and Patient B know that the help and support, given at that clinic, compassion, and care shown will help them to eventually meet the goal of being drug-free again.