Speaker: Ronald, Affect Member
Ronald: Affect really helped me get my life back on track. All you have to do is believe in yourself and trust your group, and follow the advice of your counselor. A rocky road can be made as smooth as ice and it's smooth sailing. Just believe in yourself and take it a day at a time. Thank you, Affect.
What was your life like before Affect?
Ronald: Before Affect, I was a slave to my addiction. I'd wake up, get a drink, or take a pill, just to start my day. Now, none of that is necessary. I've been sober and clean for almost 3 years. It's all thanks to the help and the advice, the techniques for stress management, I got through Affect.
How has life improved since you joined Affect?
Ronald: Not only has my life changed for the better, I found my wife and got married since joining Affect. Life is beautiful. I have hope. More than anything, I know who I am, and I know how to accept stress, manage cravings, and live life the way I choose to independent from any substances.
What's your favorite part of working with Affect?
Ronald: My favorite part of working with Affect was the biweekly groups and the one on ones. I love the fellowship and the advice that you receive from groupmates. Although our drug of choice may be different, we face the same challenges and can use the same techniques to manage them, male or female.
What advice would you give to someone considering treatment?
Ronald: In order to change, be ok with change. Also, get used to being uncomfortable, because you can't do what you used to do, when you want to change yourself. You can't use the same behavior as an addict while you're getting clean. It'll change your whole perspective, the way you handle things. Don't run from stress, embrace it. Embrace the challenges of figuring out which coping skill you may need, and just keep going. If you can't do a day at a time, take it a minute at a time, break it down. It's only as hard as you make it. So, don't make it too hard on yourself. Give life a chance.
