Former Cocaine Addict Discusses What He Has Accomplished After Narconon Arrowhead
A drug addict who has taken the big step of admitting that they have a drug problem and need help may have a very simple goal in mind for their life after rehabilitation treatment: living drug-free. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this goal, the truth is that a truly successful and multi-faceted rehabilitation program may give them much, much more than just a drug-free life.
James’ Story
James’ life was a series of ups and downs, conditions which were controlled by his use of drugs. He would have a period of time when he was feeling good about himself and doing well, and then he would turn back to drug use and slowly destroy things around him, including his relationships with others and his own life.
James’ trip to Narconon rehabilitation center was his “last-ditch” attempt at repairing his life and achieving sobriety from drugs. At Narconon, James was able to confront and take responsibility for the reason why he turned to drugs in the first place. With that vital step taken care of, James was then able to look to the future and set goals for his life without worrying about the past.
James says that now, “I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I can accomplish what I want to accomplish in life. That I can actually be part of a group now and know that I’m not gonna mess it up, that I can be part of a family and know that I’m not gonna mess up my wife or my kids, and I know I can actually be part of making this world or making this planet a better place. Instead of being part of the problem I’m now part of the solution.”
The Effects of Cocaine
According to the 2011 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, approximately 14.3% of Americans aged 12 or older have used cocaine, and like James, these individuals struggle with the powerful addictiveness and effects of this potent drug.
Cocaine is a stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant, which is found in South America. In powder form, cocaine is either snorted or dissolved in water and injected directly into the bloodstream. Crack cocaine is a crystallized rock form of processed cocaine that is heated and smoked.
Cocaine stimulates and increases dopamine in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter usually released during moments of pleasure and movement. Normally, neurons in the brain release dopamine and then reabsorb it, limiting the brain’s “reward” time. Cocaine, however, blocks the reabsorption of dopamine, resulting in excessive amounts of dopamine and an interruption of normal brain communication. It is this excessive load of dopamine that causes a cocaine user’s short-term euphoric high.
Repeated use of cocaine creates in the user a tolerance of the drug, which means that the user must take more cocaine in order to achieve the desired high. The artificial stimulation of dopamine can also cause physical dependency on the drug.
Cocaine use causes constricted blood vessels, dilated pupils and increased body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. Individuals who snort cocaine can lose their sense of smell and experience frequent nosebleeds, problems with swallowing, hoarseness of voice and chronic runny nose. Cocaine use can also cause irritability, restlessness, anxiety, paranoia, headaches, abdominal pain and nausea, a decrease in appetite, heart attacks, strokes and even death.
James recommends the Narconon program for one reason: it works. James had tried other rehabilitation programs without success, and says that the difference with the Narconon program is that it is the “total package”, it has everything that the individual needs in order to effectively handle their drug addiction and move on into a drug-free life. To see his full story go to:
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