My story is like a lot of yours, a young guy that chose drugs and alcohol as a lifestyle. Being the “Big man on campus” was the driving force behind my constant struggle to adapt to life in a positive way. I constantly found myself in predicaments that often included the police, magistrates and family tension. I never thought the cycle would end only because I wanted to live that way, a loser’s life.

My clean date is January 3rd 2009. I started my new lease on life by having a blackout while drinking and attempting to physically hurt my roommate. The police were called and I was arrested for at least the 20th time throughout my addiction. I was put in the “drunk tank” and started sobering up, while this time passed I did something I hadn’t done in years… PRAY. The following morning they let me out and I immediately ran to the local psych ward and begged to be let in for depression and alcoholism.

I had been there before 4 times and a familiar face appeared, my Family Doctor, asking me what I was willing to do to change my thinking. I answered back the only thing I knew at that moment, “Whatever it Takes Doc.”! I was soon transferred to Penn Foundation and my recovery began. I felt afraid of everything and thought I knew it all, but I soon realized that I didn’t know squat. Going to the groups and hearing other clients assisted me in opening up to people about my problems and what I felt I needed to do about them. The staff was the biggest help considering that most of them are in recovery themselves.

Doing chores, assignments for your counselor, and going to outside meetings are the things that get you ready to reenter the “real world”. If you have trouble doing them… expect the same out there. The staff shows their gratitude to the clients in several ways, which included a Super Bowl Party and an Ice Cream Night when I was there. I felt a change in my self outlook and in how my family was willing to visit me rather then they used to. Speaking of which, my family would like to thank the staff for making the visitation such a pleasant experience.

Since completing the program I have been in a partial program and a halfway house. My family relations are becoming more solid and I feel a hell of a lot happier then I used to. Personal thanks go to: Mrs. Pat, Mike, Keith and of course my crazy counselor Mrs. Bea. I would also like to acknowledge the “behind the door” staff that assisted in my recovery. If you are reading this and want to change your life for the better, I beg of you to listen and understand that you are killing yourself by using drugs and alcohol. The fact is that without you, the newcomer… none of the 12 Step programs would exist. You really can be one of the miracles you hear people talking about, all you have to do is not pick up for One Day at a Time.

Sincerely, E.C.