I am a 28 year old man who has been using coccaine and alcohol for the last five years.  I began with the occasional use on the weekends then progressed to using during the week.  Eventually I got to the point where I was using before work, during work, afterwork and any other time I could.  I lost my apartment twice; lived with many different people over a couple year period and lost my job more times than I can count.  My addiction negatively affected my relationship with my girl friend. The one affected worst of all was my little son.  I neglected him with time and attention.  This was the bottom for me.

I then decided I needed to get into a recovery center.  I heard good things about Penn Foundation so I made the call.  Before I knew it I was entering the recovery center for a 14 day stay.  Needless to say, I was scared to death.  Every part of me dreaded going into Penn Foundation.

Now that I have gone through the stay at the recovery center I can tell you don’t be affraid.  The tech’s, counselors, nurses and Dr. Newton all listened to what I had to say.  In reverse, they have great knowledge and understanding to give if only you listen.  I found that if I kept my mouth shut, open my mind and listened I would hear for the first time “hope”.  I received support from the other inpatients along with learning new ways to identify and deal with the triggers that lead to my using.

The first step is the scariest and most difficult to accomplish.  Put those fears away and you can find yourself 30 days clean and counting.