Personal narratives of recovery in Narcotics Anonymous

Narrative in Narcotic Anonymous

Grade

months recovery:

Narrative

I always wanted to become a doctor. Regardless of this passion, I ended up studying Business Administration mainly because of my incompetent and low grades. The moment when this news was disclosed, I was shattered. I felt like a failure. I planned to commit suicide but I did not succeed at it. I guess I was a loser. Taking pills was the only option which could solve this pain. This grew with time till the point when I started skipping classes just to stay at home or attend a party and get high. It was not until one night that there was a police raid at the club we were at. They were arresting everyone. It was a state of unrest and commotion where every individual was hiding in search of security. I closed my eyes and prayed with all my devotion. I prayed to God to save me from this mess. I was afraid of spending my life in jail. I was more scared off my parents getting to know what I was into. I prayed hard and luckily God saved me. Even today, in the process of recovery, God is helping me at every step to become clean and sober.

Narrative 2

My addiction was to such an extent that it made me helpless. Every time I decided to give up, I felt a higher desire to take a pill. It was a family dinner where we were the hosts. Coming back from college, I came across a bunch of people talking about me. They weren't complaining how I am but rather they were praising me for my good character. I could see the pride and shine in the eyes of my mum. I was guilty and scared. These people were still unaware of my actual personality. That was the time I went straight to my room and threw away all the pills. I cried that whole night. I was unable to sleep because whenever I closed my eyes, I could see the proud face of my mum. That was the first time when I stayed away from drugs for a complete one week.

Narrative 3

I can still recall the day when I got home and my parents were waiting for me. Their stern faces were a signal to something going wrong. Nobody said anything. My mom stood up and handed me a packet. When I opened it I found some marijuana and meth. I started shivering but nobody listened. I was thrown out of my house. I pleaded saying that I have quitted taking drugs but nobody believed. That night I went from one friend's house to the other in the hope of someone accepting me and giving a shelter. Nothing happened. Once again, while travelling the streets like a nomad, I cried praying to God to help me find refuge. Luckily, God helped. Sam, one of my old school friends who was unaware of my drug addiction, let me in. While staying with her, I came to know how clean she was. She had a unique connection with God. This made me reflect upon all the times when God helped me out of trouble. I realized it was time to change. His blessings are helping me remove all the impurities.

Narrative 4

I always believed in some higher Authority which would help me in the times of great difficulty. But after His help, I used to forget him because I only remembered Him in the times of need. My faith in him today, at times appears to be so unbelievable because I never thought that my feelings of helplessness and misery would soon diminish when I get connected to him. I was a fool when I thought drugs were the solution to my terrible fate. When I discuss this feeling with other addicts, I can see how close we have become to our spiritual healer. We were living our lives in a fool's paradise.

Narrative 5

I spend hours talking to God because it gives me peace. It sheds away the anger boiling inside me. It has given me an opportunity to peek inside myself and see an enlightened soul. I do not face any shame and discomfort in facing people. This is mainly because I have shared all my wrong doings to God. He never abused or disapproved me. Instead sharing made me feel light. It also made me realize that the disapproval of my parents was also correct. I no longer blame them. Any parent would react in a similar manner. God gave me courage to apologize for the pain I have caused them.

Narrative 6

In this recovery process I have started seeing life as a blessing. My parent accepted me especially seeing me recover. God has given me so much strength that I rarely feels the desire to get high. I often reflect back upon my past. Not getting into medical would be for my betterment. I have started seeing things in a positive way. Maybe I would have never been able to become a doctor or maybe some other worse circumstances would have come in front of me. I feel different, happier and satisfied with whatever I am today.

Narrative 7

My grades have improved. My teachers say that if I continue working this hard I may get distinction in several disciplines. People have started trusting me and I have started trusting God. I know I am on the right path. The disappointments have greatly reduced from the moment I have stepped on to this path. I spend hours prostrating. I regularly attend the Sunday sermons. Moreover, I have started to move in public because I know that I am not only liked by my God but also everyone around me.

Narrative 8

It was recently when I was out at a college part that friends offered me a sniff. They told me it is okay to have some weekend fun. This time, I did not accept their offer and I was rather happy at my resistance power and the self-control which I remarkably had. They went away calling me a coward and a loser. I just smiled warning them and trying to bring them on the similar path before it is too late. I am glad that I have left that path at the right moment and I accredit such a success to God because without Him, I would have been in such a miserable state where no human being could help.

Narrative 9

There are moments when my past appears to be so dark that it makes my present difficult. Initially, I used to spend hours fretting and regretting over what I have done with my own self. I was on the path of destruction but God saved me. I still feel bad recalling the time when I used to blame God for putting me in all the trouble. Verily, it is only because of Him that I am improving day by day. I have a strong will to change and continue on this path. For this reason, I plan to counsel others especially those teenagers who are vulnerable to self-destruction. I don't want anyone to follow my footsteps.

Narrative 10

I have started living it and feeling the change. It is rejuvenating. I no longer feel exhausted. It is like the more I am in connection with God, the more I discover myself. It's amazing to feel the peace. I don't feel hopeless or depressed because I have my complete trust in the higher power. I know I would no longer be called a drug addict. I will be fresh and healthy like a kid who plays in the rain and enjoys the beauty of the nature. This hope has come up because of the blessings which god has bestowed upon me and the strong bond I have formed with him.

Case 2

Narrative 1

Being the youngest in the family, I have been the favorite and the most pampered child. I was born in an environment where I had all the luxuries of life which every person wishes for. For this reason, taking drugs, smoking cigarettes, going to dance club were practiced as a tradition of being rich. I never cared about my future. I never worried about love, grades or health because I thought money could buy everything. I was wrong. My luxuries became a source of poverty for me. The damage which drugs did to me was worse than a beggar in rags. I am still paying for this destruction despite being surrounded by God's generosity.

Narrative 2

I got into drugs because of my willingness. I wanted to have that typical lifestyle of the rich which included golf as well as pot. I wanted to benefit from all those things which provided pleasure. I was too much into sex. I never cared about people I have been with. Love, loyalty and trust just looked good in paper. Today, when I reflect to such things, I notice the change in the long run. The trust I have in God has changed everything. I have started caring about the people around me. I respect them because now I really want them to respect and look up to me for my character and not my money.

Narrative 3

When I decided upon recovery, I came to know the forgiving nature of God. He loves every human regardless of the sins which he commit. I guess this is the attribute which is hardly found in anyone. I can say this because my girlfriend left me upon discovering that I was a drug addict. The college seniors used to manipulate me taking advantage of my helplessness and dependency on drugs and my neighbors used to threaten me by asking for money in order to keep my addiction as a secret. God never judges you or degrades you. He is like a shadow who has a single aim; your welfare. Standing up has not been easy especially when drugs give the color to your world and where pleasure is the ultimate motive of every human. As a matter of fact, during recovery, I realized the greater opportunities and the meaning of life.

Narrative 4

When I talk to people who are on the same level as me, I get to know the All-forgiving nature of God. I have hardly been a follower of religion. I have never been thankful to God because he gave me everything from the moment I was born. It was my shallowness that I used all these luxuries to create a hell situation for myself where I had to turn back to him for help. When other drug addicts talk about their faith in God, I feel embarrassed. Initially, I came with the thought that when I never followed the path of the religion, then why would God help me? My sponsor tells me it isn't like this. God forgives everyone. He is the most merciful and beneficent. Verily, with every passing day, I witness a greater aspect of his benevolence.

Narrative 5

My sponsor, Tom, tells me that God loves me. I used to take it as a fake comment to make me feel better but he kept on telling me to try and see it myself. That is what I did. There wasn't any harm in taking a chance because nothing worse could happen then what I was going through at that time. Bingo! I was successful. I felt that my every effort was being responded by someone higher than me, someone who was more powerful. After few weeks, I took some meth. I repeated this for several days. However, it was either in a lesser or in a constant quantity. It was different this time because it did not make me feel that good as it previously used to.

Narrative 6

The initial days of recovery were difficult. I had taken the decision to change but I never knew how. My sponsor told me to have faith in God but there was something which made me worry. I had nightmares. I skipped several meetings, switched off my phone and restricted myself to the room. I was afraid of the future. I don't know. I cannot express the feeling. Those were the times when at one moment I felt like taking drugs while simultaneously I wanted to eradicate them. I was confused. I meditated and it helped a little but I guess I was too desperate for the fastest possible solution.

Narrative 7

With time, I had to face how powerless I was. I lacked self-control and resistance because of which I became dependant on drugs to such an extent that they were wording me. It is the highest Being who has all the power and by trusting him things could change. I gave myself to this Authority. Things improved gradually. I started keeping myself busy in prayers and meditation which distracted my attention from getting high and the temptation began to lower. That was the time when I started trusting the abilities of God.

Narrative 8

Relapse is an expected situation when recovering from God. I don't feel guilty as I used to because I know that my God will forgive for these little errors which I won't let it in the way of improvement. Whenever I think about apologizing to the people who have been in difficulty because of my drug addiction, I think about my own self. There are times when I feel really sorry for myself. Knowing that I have ruined everything with my own hands is painful. This makes me pray more because it gives me the courage to stand up and act.

Narrative 9

Gradually, my resistances over things that are tempting have greatly increased. It is funny how I keep away from chocolates that would make me fat. I have started saying no to such unhealthy activities in order to leave a proper life. More interestingly, I recently started writing a blog where I could write all those feelings which at times I could not say at the meeting. Every post has a message catering to all the age groups. I don't instruct them to leave drugs rather I share my personal story about what harm has it done to me. I hope it changes the life of at least one individual.

Narrative 10

I have started believing that money is the root of all the evils or maybe it is not. I don't know. I think it is the way a person makes use of the luxuries and autonomy he has been given in the environment he has been brought up. After so many years, I now feel like a responsible grown up who does not only care about his own life but is also concerned about those who are associated with him. It is ironic but it is true. I don't mind being known as a drug addict but I want people to rephrase it and address me as an addict who was recovered because of his faith in the higher power.

Case 3:

Narrative 1

I am married for more than 12 years and I have no kids. This is the reason for becoming a drug addict. All those married ladies who are unable to bear a child can feel my pain. It is like being away from the greatest happiness. Consulting different doctors, visiting hospitals and having blood tests had become a part of our routine life. My husband used to blame and threatened to divorce me. I was so helpless that I had to resort to drugs which were the only source of happiness. When all the doors were closed, drugs helped. I was wrong because the door of Allah is always open which I have recently realized.

Narrative 2

Born to a Muslim mother and a Christian father, I have seen my other recite different verses of the Holy Quran ad pray to Allah. I never believed in this because I thought our life was in our own hands. I never knew I would become so powerless that I could neither give birth to a child nor leave drugs. I was becoming crazy day by day. I left going out. Consequently, my husband started coming late and at times vanished for several days. I never cared to inquire where he was because I was too busy feeling my own pain. I started blaming myself for the inability to give birth. This made me a drug addict. The first few weeks I left drugs were somewhat similar to the agitation I experienced when I locked myself. I had a continuous headache which started to worsen.

Narrative 3

When I close my eyes I can visualize the way my mother used to pray. She used to tell me to do the same. According to her, prayers were the remedy to our problems because Allah listened to everyone. I never listened to her and used to run away. During the initial days of recovery, I could see my mother pray in my dreams. I went to her graveyard in the hope of finding peace. I guess that was the motivation which made me aware of an option that was always there since the beginning. I opened the prayer books which my mother had collected. It had a whole list of verses for different ailments. I still recite them because I feel as if God is responding.

Narrative 4

I spend my time at the mosque. I pray for hours. I don't care how my husband will react. My sponsor tells me that god will help and will let me through these troubles and I know He will. I have thrown away the drugs because I God will help me strengthen my will. Spending all these years with the thought that I cannot give birth to a child is as painful as keeping away from drugs but I have to do it. This is because I don't want my God to be angry with me. He has made things work for my mother and He will do the same with me.

Narrative 5

My trust in Allah has enabled me to fight every misery. I have always been jealous and angry from the mothers who have kids. Attending baby showers has always triggered my need to take drugs but I am glad it did not happen this time. It was yesterday when I attended one such gathering. I can proudly say that neither did I dope there with the people nor in isolation after coming at home because God is present everywhere. Today, whenever I feel sad I just pray to Him to give me that courage to improve.

Narrative 6

Getting so close to the religion has made me realize about the fact that whatever God does, is always for the greater interest of the human being. I have started seeing everything as a blessing. If many people have the blessing in the form of a child, I have the same blessing in some other form; money, house and a complete religion. This makes me strong. I can now see the world as a better place where my thinking capacity was adversely affected by the temporary flight obtained through drugs.

Narrative 7

It was few days back that while passing by the mirror I noticed how weak and fragile I have become. This made me see what drugs have done to me. I want to preserve my beauty and health because now I plan to adopt a son. To take care of this new child I have to be fit. Moreover, the thought of my child being an addict is so scary that I must stay away from it at any cost.

Narrative 8

At times I regret my past decisions. If I have heard what my mother used to say when she preached me the religion, I would have never been stuck in such a situation. This often makes me sad but the thought of adopting has a charm and excitement of its own. I now feel the motivation to never use drugs again because I want to be a perfect mother.

Narrative 9

Drug addiction is deadly especially when you are late for recovery. I am happy that I am in time. Being through this journey, I have realized that I cannot change whatever I have done with myself. The only option is to take control of the future. By trusting God, I have realized that the ultimate power and the decision making ability lies with Him and whatever he decides and plans is always for the benefit of all. Regardless of those who are in the fold of religion or who are entering into it, He forgives everyone.

Narrative 10

Having a strong faith in the higher Authority has made life easy and satisfactory. This often makes me think whether it was the pain of not having a child or the damage cause by drugs that was affecting my health. I pray five times because I want to be in a constant connection with God. I know I have a lot to understand and ponder over, but the current satisfaction is so overwhelming that I feel like sticking to this path as closely as I can.

Case 4: Narrative 1

I got into drugs simply because of peer pressure. I wanted to fit in and be accepted by everyone. All my friends at college used to drink and take drugs. Some often lied to their parents and used to leave their house spending night at the club. I did not like all this but I had to. This casual activity became so serious that I became a drug addict. Out of fear and in the need of acceptance, I became an addict. In actual, I used to like the high it gave me because it used to numb all the painful feelings I have had in my past. But I never knew this numb would come along with a high price. Even in recovery, I cannot get over the pain of the past. I have always been a neglected child for which I still yearn for acceptance.

Narrative 2

I decided to leave drugs because I started to hate the dependence and the person it has made me. The joys and the sorrows in life were all associated with taking drugs. It made me live a life like a robot, without feelings where the only desire was taking drugs. I was unable to get up early in the morning and started getting late for work. Even when in office, my performance was affected when finally my boss announced my demotion. I hated such moments. It has been few months in recovery but such incidents make me resort to drugs seeing that as the only option.

Narrative 3

It was not until few days back when I was sent to a small town in the suburbs for some office work. That place was like heaven. Those 3 days were refreshing. I did not take a single dose with me. The beauty of that placed encouraged me to get up early in the morning and walk on the grass. I practiced this routine for the days I was there.

I felt like a child who loves to play. I was feeling young. After such a long time, I felt the beauty of the world. That experience was so rejuvenating that I still feel the same.

Narrative 4

For many people recovering is more like a torture. It isn't really that way for me because I have been exposed to that reality of life which was always. It was a man made drug which overshadowed the greater relaxation tool gifted by God. It costs nothing to experience the beauty. It comes with no harm like drugs and it is complete in its own. I have started looking at the positive realm of life. God is so perfect. It makes me belief that by putting my complete trust in Him, I'll also become His reflection.

Narrative 5

I exercise daily especially the yoga in the fresh air. It might sound funny but it keeps me away from drugs. The nature is so serene and it gives me so much tranquility which I have never experienced when I took drugs. The connection with the nature has enabled me to have developed belief in the Ruler of the nature. I am on the path of spiritual healing where drugs should play no role.

Narrative 6

I no longer hang around with the people who were the reason for becoming an addict. I feel so content that I do not need anyone else to accept me. I have started accepting my own self and I know God accepted me the way I have been in the past. It is this accept ace which has encouraged me to change. God is all forgiving and I have realized this now. The beauty of nature gives me so much pleasure that it is not even an inch closer to the high which drugs gave.

Narrative 7

It is funny that the things I have hated in the past have become so attractive and beautiful today. I have started spending time with my parents regardless of how they have treated me in the past. I don't care how things have been. I just want to make things perfect now so that I can lead a life full of pride. I am happier person now where I overlook little problems on the journey considering them as tests or stones on the way to improvement.

Narrative 8

I have started utilizing my weekends instead of wasting them at sniffing stuff and spending the time at a bar with useless people. I go to areas which I have never visited. These include places like parks and beaches where I develop a bond with the nature. At such places, I do not need any one else. This is the place where I am alone with my God. I cry in the dark because I regret what I have done. It is easy to open up in such a place because neither there is a soul to judge nor drugs to let you down.

Narrative 9

I have started getting over my past so that I can live in the present and enjoy it to the fullest extent. Leaving drugs has not been very easy but the disgust attached to it and the soothing impact of nature on my personality has made the things go in a better direction. I feel the rain drops pour down my face making me young and energetic. I feel as If I have entered my childhood or the early teens where the whole world is ahead of me to explore. I have made that my target instead of taking drugs for the momentary pleasure; I aim at a longer harmless purity.

Narrative 10

Being in touch with the nature has been so refreshing that it made me divert my attention to the creator of the beauty. I now constantly focus on building up my connection to God because when He can make the world so beautiful, he can also make my life better. I pray and I meditate. I have started understanding Him, placing my complete trust in Him that he will turn things in my betterment. I am hopeful, and this time it is more than ever.

Case 5: Narrative 1

I got into drugs at a very young age. I was tired of my parents who keep on fighting. As a child I used to go out and wander around the streets. That was the time I made friends with all kinds of people. Some of them acquainted me to the world of drugs which brought relief. This was just temporary and more harmful. As a child I never knew it would be so destructive. It was just a way to run out of the violence at home and stay peace. But I was wrong. The peace which my relationship with God gives me is of no match to such drugs.

Narrative 2

I still practice the similar habit of exploring the world as I used to as a child. The only difference is, today it is taking me to another path where as yesterday it introduced cocaine into my blood. My parents still fight today regardless of realizing what their behavior has done to me. But it was my decision in the favor of my future family that has brought me here on the path of recovery. It isn't easy but at least I want to give it a try, for myself and for my future family.

Narrative 3

Getting in touch with the miracles of nature is no rocket science. The problems which could not be solved through medicines, alcohol and cocaine, can easily be resolved through the power of nature. It makes one serene and that is what we struggle for, at least it is true in my case. I am taking the best advantage from the nature because it has a power to heal every soul No doubt, how troubled we are, I have seen the Creator to help us through our tough times.

Narrative 4

I have observed something lately. The intake of drugs might have provided me a short-term pleasure thereby promising a long-term danger, it has not helped me to overcome my loneliness. In fact, it is the link with God and his creation in which I feel such a heightened version of satisfaction that I no longer need a company. Being in water gives has broadened my inner peace that I have started finding everything so beautiful.

Narrative 5

I try my best to stay away from drugs especially in the circumstances such as my parents fighting, which are painful. I do not avoid pain I just choose to overlook or confront it. I now know drugs are the wrong option and it is the prayers which will not only make everything perfect but would also help me combat such little battles and problems in life. My faith in God is started to increase and as a result I have started to keep away from drugs.

Narrative 6

I can recall the time when my brother used to tell me how destructive drugs are. I never listened because I never wanted to do what he wanted me to. I was just going by the flow. Blaming my parents and my destiny for whatever I am going through. With time, life taught me it wasn't others but my own fear and helplessness which has made me take drugs. I became concerned about my future. I don't want my kid to suffer because of me. I don't want my wife to leave me because I am an addict. If I never had a good childhood, why should I make it difficult for my family as it was for me?

Narrative 7

It is sometimes astonishing to see my changed perceptions. I have a better outlook towards life as compared to my attitude previously. I know this is because of the blessings of God. I have entered his area; the area of peace and achievement.

It is amazing to breathe freely in the open space when you are surrounded by lush green trees and the laughter of kids. Whenever I see them, I pray to God that I hope none of them experiences what I have undergone.

Narrative 8

The first two months when I stayed away from cocaine were like hell. That was the time when I stayed in the shower for hours. I had the continuous need to take a dose thinking it won't make a difference since nobody cared about me. My parents were so busy in their own problems that they were not even concerned about what I was doing. Thinking about that, I resorted back to drugs for several times. But then I had to stop it because of the greater concern about my future family. God was giving me courage to fight from all such withdrawal symptoms.

Narrative 9

My trust in God has started to develop to a greater extent. I recently got engaged to a beautiful lady. I see things are improving. I am becoming stronger. My fiance is also helping me recover as soon as possible. I don't think about taking drugs because the creations of God are full of pleasure. I have started to look at the inner beauty and the depth of things; rivers, the flowers, the laugh of a child and many more. I am in love with the Lord. He is so powerful that He is giving me power to change.

Narrative 10

With time, I understand that nothing is difficult especially changing. Along with my brother, I have tried to resolve the little issues which are the reasons for the clash between our parents. If I can start the journey of getting over drugs, why can't they. God helps everyone regardless of status, color, cast and sins. I have been in such a miserable state but it is God who is helping me. He has brought me to such an extent that I know he will continue to help me in everything, whether it is coming out clean or earning a huge sum.

6 months recovery

Case 1: Narrative 1

I started taking drugs when my girlfriend broke up with me. I still remember the first time we met and the first gift I got for her. We had dreams of getting married in a cruise. We planned the names of our children and the places we would visit. Everything shattered in a minute. I did not only lose the person I loved the most, but my GPA was severely affected. Wherever I went, I was surrounded by darkness as if there was no hope left. That was the time I started taking drugs. Loneliness and pain made me opt for such things. It was the Euphoria and the high which made me alive. I kept on taking it again and again in greater doses till the point where I would be classified as an adult. That was the time when my grandmother came to live with me. With time, she noticed my dependence on drugs. However, I could never expect her to become the source of inspiration to quit drugs and start a new life.

Narrative 2

Recovering is not an easy task. My grandma used to tell me stories of her friends, neighbors and relatives who were either in the state of recovery or those who had completely discarded drugs and alcohol. Many a times I used to take them as fake made up stories which never appeared as a tool of motivation. This was mainly because of the fact that I never took them seriously. However, the enthusiasm, hope and motivation present in whatever she said made me feel that she was really concerned about me. I still remember the time she spent on taking me to rehabilitation centers, telling me stories and making me aware of the menace of being a drug addict. Maybe it was the fear of seeing myself as weak, fragile and unworthy which motivated me to stay away from drugs.

Narrative 3

Once the decision of abstinence is made, implementing it is very difficult. Initially, being away from drugs seemed like saying no to water. It made me sleep more especially there were times when I used to spend the whole day in bed. Not only this, I can clearly recall those moments when I not only verbally abused my grandma but also left home shouting and furiously driving the car often breaking the traffic signals and yelling at the passer bys. I felt the deep extensive desire to go high at such occasions. I used to go meet friends, take few doses and go to the club. Still, my grandmother used to somehow locate me and drag me home. Regardless of the way I used to treat her on our way back home, she used to pat me and rub my head often running her fingers through my hair. It was probably this care which enabled me to change.

Narrative 4

In the process of recovery, I searched for options that would provide me freedom and satisfaction; such places that would take me away from the feeling of discomfort, irritability and loneliness. I chose to walk near the pool, baby sit and go to church. Many of these activities I still practice today because of the serenity which they offer. Moreover, the contentment which drugs used to give me sometimes feels so inadequate and worthless in front of the satisfaction and happiness I achieve through these places. Furthermore, it gives me a meaning to fight and live life which otherwise would have been nonexistent if I had continued to follow the deviant path.

Narrative 5

It was the last week when I took marijuana at a friend's engagement party. It was like a tradition of every celebration. I could not resist. The next morning I realized what I had done. For the first time, it did not make me happy but rather very sad and guilty. I cried for hours and finally meditation brought some relive. I am continuing the practice feeling better again. Sharing what I did is actually lightening my burden. I don't feel disconnected with what I was doing, rather I am ready to fight failure and improve for forever.

Narrative 6

The level of crankiness and alienation has decreased in what I used to feel approximately 5 to 6 months ago. The low level of energy has greatly increased. There are hardly any days when I actually feel like taking off from work because I have started to enjoy things. No doubt there are times when I feel so helpless that drugs seem to be the only life saver due to which I have to take considerable doses. However, I try my best to control and balance my desires. For this reason, I can boastfully say that I haven't taken a single dose since the past 6 weeks. Thinking about this progress motivates me further.

Case 2: Narrative 1

Being in recovery has been torturous, painful and sometimes peaceful. When I look back at the time when I started taking drugs and made drinking as a habit, I come across my nurturance between alcoholics and substance abusers. I successfully completed my college while continuing the high intake of marijuana and LSD simultaneously. I was aware of the harm connected to it, especially when I used to see my parents fighting over little things, my dad coming home late at night and my mum crying for running out of money. That was the time when I decided I won't ever get into such an activity which would affect my family. Regardless of this promise, I started taking drugs mainly out of curiosity. The High associated with it was so good that I wanted to take it again and again. It made me feel at the top of the world bringing me to such a place where I never heard the squeaking cries of my mum. Leaving drugs has not taken me to this place again but instead has enabled me create that peaceful environment at my own.

Narrative 2

I am married to my cousin who is well aware of my past and present. She has been continuously reminding me about the promise which I made to myself of not following the footsteps of my father. Despite this, I got into a similar addiction. I guess it is the guilt which is residing inside me since then. Consequently, my wife keeps on reminding me about it. At times it is very annoying. It is disturbing to such an extent that I have threatened to divorce her but she is adamant on her constant demand. She talks about our 3-year-old beautiful daughter making me visualize not only the time when she will grow up and hate her father but also the moment when she finds a husband similar to me. This imagination hits me deep which keeps me away from taking drugs.