This is where I needed to be
When I first got to Daytop, I still didn’t believe I needed to be there. But after awhile I realized that this was exactly where I needed to be and I started to get honest and I started to work on myself and learn about who I was and it was hard, it was rough. It was about growing up and I learned there was hope for me not to be just this jail oriented institutionalized person.
I challenged myself
What I liked the most in treatment were the intensive groups that gave me the opportunity to learn about myself and my addiction, what it did to me and then how to change that. The most important part of treatment for me was re−entry because I was challenged with the fact that I had to go back into the world and live drug−free and be successful. I was afraid that I might screw up again, but with the tools that Daytop had taught me I had to just get out and use them. I went back to school, and I become an emergency medical technician, which I currently still do today. I’ve worked for the same employer now for six years. I love helping others, it has given me a purpose in life and if it wasn’t for Daytop I wouldn’t have had opportunity to find out my potential. I’m planning to return to school within the next year, to possibly become a registered nurse or a paramedic.
I have myself today
What gives me the most satisfaction in my life today, is knowing that people need me today, that they can rely on me and trust me, today. Being an emergency medical technician there’s an enormous amount of being relied upon, being trusted, and saving lives and keeping people from dying.
The best thing is, that I’ve myself today. I have a girlfriend, we’re getting into a beautiful relationship. I have my own apartment, pay my bills, don’t have to worry about anybody kicking me out, and I love it.
I can help others
I’m very proud to be a Daytop graduate. When I was using I was a very selfish self−centered individual who didn’t know or care about anything but myself, where today, I actually have the ability to reach out and help other people to get a life. I think it’s important, you can’t just sit there and not give back what you have been freely given and I love Daytop for all it’s done for me. I still use the Daytop tools today, seven years later. I have seven years clean just this past July.