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I was dying. Heroin had turned me into a zombie, and I knew death was fast approaching. Today, 22 years later, I’m alive, thriving, and grateful for every breath. This is how I got my life back.
My story begins in Yverdon, a peaceful Swiss town where I spent my early years. Growing up, I was an active child who found joy in sports, particularly football, which became my greatest passion. I harbored dreams of playing professionally one day. Life was simple then – school went smoothly, and I faced no significant challenges.
I’ll never forget the exhilaration of winning the cantonal championship with my football team – those were moments of pure happiness. I found peace in nature and cherished quiet moments.
As adolescence arrived, my world became turbulent. Academic struggles emerged, and I began a professional apprenticeship that felt completely wrong for me. It was during this confusing time that I first experimented with cannabis, which led to cigarettes and alcohol. My social circle expanded to include techno rave scenes where I encountered ecstasy, LSD, and various other substances. The initial euphoria was intoxicating, but tolerance built quickly, demanding increasingly larger amounts to achieve the same highs. This dangerous pattern escalated when I turned to heroin, and within months, I had become a shell of my former self. Death seemed inevitable.
Addiction robbed me of everything meaningful – my aspirations, my self-worth, and the faith that my family and friends had placed in me. I became dishonest and lost touch with who I truly was.
My existence had transformed into a living nightmare, forcing me to confront the need for change. My physician recommended seeking professional treatment and provided me with a list of rehabilitation facilities.
The Narconon program stood out because during my initial meeting, I experienced something I hadn’t felt in years – genuine understanding and compassion from someone who truly listened.
What struck me most upon entering Narconon was the surprisingly smooth and rapid completion of heroin detoxification. Previous solo attempts had been impossible, yet here I overcame physical dependency within just a few days.
I reclaimed my physical vitality, feeling as energetic as I had at sixteen, but now with a clear, drug-free mind. My optimism about the future returned, along with the certainty that I could build a fulfilling life free from addiction’s devastation.
Graduating from the program filled me with immense pride in my achievement and confidence to embrace whatever opportunities lay ahead.
Today marks 22 years of drug-free living. I’m blessed with a loving marriage, hold a position of significant responsibility that brings me satisfaction, and I savor each precious moment life offers. Most importantly, I have two incredible children, now 27 and 26 years old, who are the greatest gifts life has given me. I am deeply grateful for everything they have brought into my world and the joy they continue to bring me every day.
What thrills me most about sobriety is the profound sense of liberation it provides. No treasure could tempt me to surrender this freedom.
To anyone facing similar struggles, I say: never abandon hope – there’s always an escape route. Life possesses immeasurable value, and you must find the courage to believe in yourself, seek assistance, and take decisive action toward recovery.
For those currently undergoing treatment, persevere and don’t surrender. Continue forward through the difficult phases ahead. Beyond every dark tunnel lies sunlight. Don’t remain trapped or retreat.
I am eternally grateful to Narconon for giving me a second chance at life and teaching me to learn from my mistakes. To anyone who needs help, I encourage you to contact Narconon and begin your journey toward freedom from drugs and reclaiming your honor in life. Recovery is possible. Addiction is not a disease, nor is it a life sentence – it’s a problem that can be solved.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t wait another day. Your life is worth saving. Contact Narconon now and take the first step toward reclaiming your freedom, your dignity, and your future. The life you’ve always dreamed of is waiting for you on the other side of recovery.
Contact Narconon today – Your second chance starts now.
—Jacky Buensoz, Narconon Graduate
