Narconon Newsletter 01-10-2007

Welcome to the Narconon Newsletter.

When a student completes the Narconon programme he or she usually gives a speech to the staff and students. Family and friends are also often present. Here is what one student who recently completed the programme said:-

"I have been free of drink and drugs for 9 months now. The last time I could say that was several years ago. I started drinking in my late teens. Up until then the very thought of drinking made me shudder. Drugs did not even feature on my radar - I didn't even smoke for god sake! One night in a heaving beer tent I held my mates pint while he went to the toilet. Then, for some reason I thought "Why not?" and gave it a try. When he got back he found an empty cup. He left his drink with a Tee-Total person and came back to find a guy at the beginning of what would seem like a love affair with alcohol. As we all know, eventually the love can fade and you are left with a cruel unforgiving mistress, who doesn't ever seem to be enough. But this was still years down the line ... weed came next, followed by cocaine. Maybe I felt like I had some making up to do. I look back with amazement now - I really believed that I had been missing out on this new exciting life - I couldn't see the dangers. But they were real, very much so.

Everyone on this programme knows the lifestyle; up all night, revelling in the party atmosphere; the weekends get drawn out, eventually Monday to Thursday become no different to Friday to Sunday. It seems fun yet, the warning signs flash up ever more strongly as time goes by: the drugs take over: Motor racing was my passion and yet it was consumed. My racing ended. More and more of my life became blank spaces in my memory. I often didn't know what I was doing or why. No surprise, then, that I became unhappy, or depressed. The solution? Anti-depressants. More drugs. Varying concoctions and combinations, ever increasing and eventually abused. Intended to lift my mood, along with all the alcohol and weed, all they seemed to do was numb my emotions altogether - like a flat line on a graph, not down, but certainly not up either. That is pretty far from real life I'd say.

Living back with my parents, unable to hold down a job, my mind and body more and more ravaged from drink and drugs I was constantly in need of my family's support. Being bailed out time and time again.
It was time to change my life.

I arrived at Narconon in early December last year. On my way here I stopped with my father to look around a 12 step programme centre. I look back now, knowing that 3 months would not have solved my problems.

I recall little about being greeted by Dale that day, I was an emotional wreck, needing convincing from him and my father that this was the best step. I agreed and would like to thank Dale for his handling. He has a tough job and manages that vital first contact role well. He even put up with my incessant moaning in the early days!

Some of you here will know that it does take two bites at the cherry. In fact, I seemed to spend more time in pubs in the Old Town that in the course room in December. But we won't dwell on that. At this point I want to thank some of the people who helped me then; Lewis kept in control up in withdrawals. Steve was as dedicated and caring as ever and Jasary, Saieed, Chris and Alison were all influential to me - positive and professional throughout. Thank you all.

From the moment I met Dominique I felt that I could trust her judgement. She got me through withdrawals in exactly the same way as she handles every part of the course; with a calm, professional and compassionate dedication. I honestly believe that my course would not have been nearly as worthwhile and successful without her guidance. Thank you dearly Dominique you are what this place is all about.

I realise that this is beginning to sound like an Oscars award speech, sorry. But I must not go without mentioning Graeme. He was absolutely integral and fundamental to my staying and beginning my course property when I returned from suspension in early January. I am very sorry that he is not here tonight, but nonetheless he deserves great respect for the work that he does with the students' here - and has been a real friend and support to me throughout the course - thank you Graeme.

I truly believe in the value of this course. Most of us know how it goes; TRs to start, in preparation for the sauna. I spent 60 days in the sauna and as many of you can testify, it is not always easy. But I came out feeling renewed and alive - the drugs were out of my system and I was committed to an exercise routine which has continued to this day. Most importantly, I realised that I was capable of honestly and thoroughly completing a cycle of action. I had not done this in some time and it was the motivational boost that I needed.

I returned to the course room to find two more genius, Book 3 and Matt Hague. If book 3 is magic, and it is to me, then Matt is the magician. His fine balance of firm fairness and humour, not to mention dedication, are commendable. He has made my time in the course room a valuable and pleasurable experience. Thank you Matt.

It is fair to say that objectives (Book 4) were a turning point for me. Literally ... I now have my intention on the present, rather than the past and have a return of inner confidence that was lost to drink and drugs.

The course is intended to flow on a gradient from one step to the next. My experience has proven this to be true; going into Books 5, 6, 7 and 8, I can honestly say that I was not convinced that they could take me any further than I'd already come. Without going into detail, I was wrong.

At each step I have noticed improvements in myself:- the books together really show you how to live a life without drugs and alcohol. It is, of course, then up to you to apply the technology.

For me the end of Book 7 was another milestone. It involved talking to my family openly and honestly. The idea is to reconcile damaged relationships by making up for past harmful actions. To me this is just about the most important outcome from my time at Narconon. Over recent years I have put my family through pain, worry and disappointment. I had lost their trust. Despite this they have always been there for me. It is thanks to them that I am in my present position. I owe them my life. I love them all and now am in a condition to repay this debt. Thank you all.

So finally, to the students and staff who make up this wonderful house I say - Thank you. I have made some great friends in my time here and it is by living for the survival of the group we grow and gain the most from this experience.

I was fortunate enough to be given the chance to go over to Narconon Holland recently, for the Anti-Drugs marathon. They do a fantastic job with a great bunch of people, but the resources and house they have do not compare with our own environment. I consider myself privileged to have done my course in this place, with this group. I urge you all to seize your chances also. Make the most of this time; it is within all of us to do so.

Thank you all for being here and for listening. This has been very special to me, I won't forget you."
Anthony

To speak to one of our counsellors please phone 0800 169 4803.

Best Regards,

Narconon London - Hastings Branch