n

Addiction Treatment
& Psychology Services

Until two and a half years ago, both Sharon and John were heroin addicts. Both used heroin for ten years. "I needed $300 every two days", says Sharon "I stole bags, credit cards, and in general, anything I could lay my hands on."

John and Sharon tried to stop numerous times. "Once we managed to remain clean for five months, but that was only because we were on a farm in the middle of nowhere. Two days after we came out, we started using again."

By 1998 they were living separately - John on the street while Sharon 's parents took care of their child. Then John tried the program. "He said he did this treatment and believed he was no longer addicted. It seemed like he was pulling our leg," Sharon said. "We did not believe him. So we bought heroin and used it in front of him and nothing happened! It was like something out of this world. He went to my parents as well, and even though they knew him as a person who was always trying out every treatment and he never succeeded, they said straight away 'this is it'.

A month afterwards, I went in for treatment."By rigidly taking their after-care medication every morning and by going to therapy, Sharon and John have managed to remain clean since then. "We didn't feel depressed. Other treatments always left us feeling empty, anxious and depressed. Like being in a dark room, all alone. This time it was different. Within a month I started working," says Sharon. "After six months we rented an apartment." "When I look back now, I know that I was on the way either to jail or an overdose. If it wasn't for this treatment, I probably wouldn't be alive today."

When I look back now, I know that I was on the way either to jail or an overdose. If it wasn't for this treatment, I probably wouldn't be alive today.