Testimonials

Interviews With Some of Our Program Graduates

Testimonials by SRC Program Graduates

“On March 16, 2011 I came into this program a lost, sporadic individual caught in lies and confusion. I didn’t know who I was or what I wanted to do in life. I was insecure and all I wanted to do was mask those feelings with drugs and alcohol. At arrival, I didn’t see what was so great about Suncoast Rehab Center. I wanted to go home almost immediately. But the minute I got through withdraw, I saw that all the students around me made the same mistakes that I made and that we were all here for the same reason – to get off and stay off drugs and start our repair and prepare for the rest of our lives.  I have grown into a better person and am attached to this facility.  Because of this program, I can see clearly and my thought process has become quicker and I trust myself to make smart decisions to improve the quality of my life.  The life skills I have learned over the past 4 months have greatly impacted all of my being. I am the healthiest I have ever been and feel ready to get the rest of my life started.  I am glad I made the decision to fix myself and I’m glad I chose SRC to do so. I feel accomplished that I completed the program and although I had some minor bumps in the road, I know that I have become a stronger person with the ability to make the right decisions for all my dynamics [areas of life] for the rest of my life.” – S.W.

“Before I came to SRC I was using opiates every day. I was in legal trouble, couldn’t keep a job and had ruined relationships with my family members. I stopped caring about myself, my friends, and my family. My entire life revolved around getting my next fix and I was miserable. When my mom gave me the opportunity to come here, I was hesitant at first, but I knew I needed help or I was going to die. Once I got to SRC, I immediately felt welcome by the staff and the students. Getting through Withdrawal was difficult but the staff made it as comfortable as possible. Throughout the rest of my program, I experienced ups and downs but I truly feel that it saved my life and changed it for the better. Early in the program, I improved my communication skills and my ability to confront – two things I couldn’t do while using. The sauna portion of the program made me feel so much better physically. I got in better shape physically, regained energy, started sleeping really well, started thinking clearly and all of my aches and pains went away completely.  Once I got out of sauna and started doing book work, I realized that I could stay clean and that I wanted to for the first time since I started using. The rest of the program taught me how to be aware of my surroundings, be in control of my life and how to recognize people who would negatively affect my life and what types of people I should surround myself with. I learned how to constantly improve the conditions of my life and how to apply things that I learn to my life. In completing each step of the program I regained my self confidence and realized I didn’t need other people’s approval. After finishing the program I know that I can take everything I’ve learned and use it to stay clean and be successful. I can honestly say that I am truly happy now and I’ve never felt better physically or mentally. I’ve improved relationships with my family, settled my legal issues and realized that I can do anything I want to do with my life from now on as long as I stay focused and work hard. This program has given me hope that I couldn’t seem to find anywhere else. For the first time in a long time I am confident in my ability to stay clean and I am excited to live my life.” – C.S.

“The Narconon Program has forever changed my life. Throughout my first half of the program I faced a lot of struggles and left twice. I kept coming back and this program has changed me so much that I have even decided to stay and join the training program. I couldn’t have gotten through my program without all the amazing staff members here. A lot of people agree with the statement “drug addiction cannot be cured.” I find that a false statement because I have finally beat my drug addiction and will never have that burden again. This program has given me so many tools that will better my life that I will never forget. I finally have my life back and my family’s support and love. I wouldn’t have traded this experience for anything in the world.” – C.K.

“When I first arrived here at SRC I didn’t think I could make it through and actually graduate. I was physically and mentally destroyed. I didn’t know when I was going to start to feel better and after my first two weeks in the sauna I started to make a turn. After that I began to have more energy, I was sleeping great without the aid of anything. Aaron was a great I/C and made it apparent that it was important for me to know that he was there for me and made me feel really comfortable. During the second part of the program,  [The drills and exercises on Book 4], I’ll admit that I was really nervous about it, but after going through it, it helped me become more aware of my surroundings and what is going on in present time. And Phase III [The last 4 books] was another great part of the program, being able to recognize and deal with certain people in life is really an important and valuable tool to have.  In Book 6, (this was one of my favorite books) I learned about one’s life and by [doing the exercises] it really made me feel better about myself and made me realize how much I’ve changed for the better. I’ve grown so much in the last four months and I owe it all to the SRC Staff and the Program. I just wanted to say thank you to Bradley, he really helped me throughout my program and he truly cares about his students and his dedication is admirable. I’d like to also thank Richard for really making this experience as painless as possible. I owe you guys the world. I was on the edge of disaster and death for a long time and I know that you guys gave me something that not a lot of people get – a second chance at life. With all my heart thank you for saving my life. I am 100% sure that you guys have given me everything I need to be sober and successful.  Thanks again YEAH!  I DID IT!!!” – D.H.

“I have really enjoyed the Narconon Program. There were many different aspects that I was able to face, confront and overcome through working the program. I loved sauna and am in the best physical shape of my life. I have learned more about myself than ever before. I have been through 4 programs besides this one and this one is the best program that helped me the most out of all of them. I have so many new tools to handle life and to survive and live a happy life. I just want to say thank you to all the staff for your support and genuine care and the help you gave me to turn my life around.” – C.W.

“Joining and completing the Narconon program has not only saved my life it has given me a new understanding and appreciation of life and living it to my fullest potential. I have not only learned the steps to a happy drug free life, I’ve learned how to be a better person all around in all walks of life. I’m amazed in myself in my progress as a son, father, and man in general. I am so confident in myself and my abilities to do the right thing and make the right decisions in life and that I am now a healthy, happy, drug free, honest, proud, happy clear thinking member of society that any parent, child, employer or friend would love to have as part of their group. I believe that this program has the best life skills plan that anyone could ever ask for and believe it could be helpful for anyone even if they don’t have a drug problem. I am happy to recommend people to this wondrous facility as I am becoming a field representative.  Thank you SRC for saving my life!” – J.P.

“I’ve been staring at this paper for almost 30 minutes trying to come up with the words that describe the feeling. It’s hard to explain and write down the feelings of extreme pride and gratitude that I have by completing the program and how lucky and blessed I feel to have been given the opportunity to be a student at SRC. When I first arrived at SRC I was so disconnected from my family, my life, and who I really was as a person. Years of drug use suppressed all of the good qualities that I now know I posses. I’ve gone from a person with no self-esteem and no direction in life to a strong, willing and able woman who for the first time has a positive sense of direction for my life and for that I will be forever grateful. I don’t think I will ever be able to thank my parents for the sacrifice they both have made by sending me here. I have a lot of wrongs that still need to be corrected but for the first time in my life I am willing to do whatever it takes to make up for damage done. The staff here at SRC are a group of incredible people whose commitment for helping others is one of the reasons that I have chosen to stay and train. I can only hope that I will have as big of an effect on future students as the staff here has had on me. This program has been one of the greatest gifts, besides the birth of my children, I have ever been given. I look forward to giving to others what has been given to me here at SRC.” – D.A.

“In searching for a rehab detox program I knew that I did not want a 12-step program. What I needed was a program that took a biophysical approach; one that would use sauna as an actual detox method to rid the body of toxins. I found that approach here in Florida at Suncoast Rehab. I wanted to detox from cocaine and rebuild my brain’s damaged neurotransmitters. I signed up for the program and was informed that there was hard work involved. I saw remarkable results in the students that were graduating and was inspired.  The course work is where the biggest gains for me were made. I found out about the whys and wherefores of human behavior especially relating to basic life skills. It was fascinating to find that lack of proper learning skills is the beginning of failed comprehensions which lead to later problems in life. So beyond learning how to learn, I found [Book 4B and addressing my personal ethics] really advanced me beyond what I had imagined possible. I now have regained my sense of self esteem, self worth and desire to thrive and surge forward into whatever life brings on. That past actions are no longer affecting how I perceive and respond to life, I feel unburdened and eager to get on with life. Andy and Maggie are two of the most caring astute Course Supervisors/Counselors there are. It’s because of them that students thrive and do so well. The setting here allows for individuals to get the attention that they need and to not get over looked. All the staff is dedicated to helping people get better and the results are in the statistics. I am honored and very grateful for the new life that I have received in my 16 weeks here at Suncoast Rehabilitation Center.” – N.R.

“I have lived more life in the past 3 years then in my previous 19. My life had been defined by drugs and consumed by doubt and frustration. I have dragged my family through ordeals I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy, however, they have been there every step of the way. They’ve been there to love me and support me when I wasn’t able to love or support myself. I knew that if I didn’t do something I was going to push away the people I loved the most. In my most desperate time and with no conceivable solution, my family found SRC. Here I have learned technology that has helped me confront problems and situations in my life that I had been unable to in the past. I have developed habits and learned a manner of living that I am confident I can apply to my life. I have found the peace of mind and a sense of self that I had been looking for. I have made friends with people that want me to succeed and I can’t thank the dedication of the staff enough. Life no longer seems like something to be avoided, but rather met with optimism.” – A.S.

“Honestly, I don’t even know where to start. First of all I would like to thank the staff here at Narconon. Kuryn, Tammy and Richard: Thank you for never giving up on me and helping me get to the point I am now. Maggie, you were the first one I talked to and had I not, I probably wouldn’t be here. You saved my life and I will never forget that. Andy, Thank you for helping me through course and showing me the skills I need to make it in life. Jay, Thank you for always being there for me, to listen to me and give me advice, Jorge and Scott, Thank you for getting me through Withdrawal so that I could learn how to make it in life. John, You’ve always been there for me and thank you for guiding me through sauna and helping me get my body and mind back to normal. To all my friends here that I’ve made, you guys have helped me probably more than you realize and for that I will never forget you guys. This program has done more for me in the short time I’ve been here than I have been able to do for myself in the past 23 years of my life. This has been a bumpy ride but I have finally made it. I am a stronger and more confident woman because of this place and everything it has done for me. I’ve learned who I am and what I am about. I’ve finally found myself and am happier than I have been in a long time. I can now have a happy and drug-free life. I’m finally back.” – M.B., Program Graduate

“I am extremely grateful for me experience here at SRC. I have tried to be as honest as I can so that the staff was able to help me. I’m looking forward to applying the tools I have learned to my everyday life. I have been someone who has struggled with my addiction and have been to several 12 steps programs but I can honestly say the Narconon Program at SRC and the motivated staff has me fired up for successfully staying off drugs once and for all. I found this program challenging but rewarding and I’m proud to call myself a graduate. I am now in charge of my own life. I’m a healthier, motivated and hopeful man again. The little daily wins were something I needed. I began to feel brighter and brighter as the weeks and months went on. I will recommend your program before any other. Thanks for having me.” – M.B.

“When I first came into this program I was a lost soul. I couldn’t even stand to face myself in the mirror. But thanks to this program I have been able to confront my past and take responsibility for my actions. I have learned to become comfortable just being me. I found out who I really am. I have realized so many things about myself and have gained so many abilities. I have learned patience and things take as long as they take and I have finally come to accept that. I no longer dwell on my past misdeeds but live in the present. I use reason in making my decisions now and always choose the optimum solution for [all areas of my life]. I have grown so much in the short time I’ve been here. I could go on forever and ever about all the amazing things that the technology here has taught me but it wasn’t just the technology that had a major impact on my life. The staff here has been absolutely amazing. The one thing I love about this place so much is that very rarely do you go somewhere and the staff care, but here the staff genuinely care about each and every one of us and our well being. Doing sauna with John was fantastic and every day was a great day. John always made it more enjoyable and I loved sauna and of course my sauna twin. When I was in sauna at that time I felt the best I ever had in my life and didn’t think it could ever get any better.  Boy was I wrong.  After completing sauna I went back into the course room and got to work with Maggie and Andy. Although being in course was not the easiest thing I ever did, Maggie and Andy helped me through it and made it all so much easier for me. They never gave up on me even when I didn’t think I would ever get through it. They always lifted my spirits. When I was on 4B I got to work with another person and help her through.  It was such a rewarding experience and an amazing bonding time. After every portion of this program I felt better and better. I never in a million years would have thought that I could feel the way I do today. This is the most amazing rewarding program and I am forever grateful to do it. I have gained my life back and made amazing friends. Richard, Tammy and Kuryn, each one of you have brightened each and every one of my days here, and have been so much help throughout my program. Thanks to everyone here and the technology I am proud to be the person I am today and that is a major win.” – A.S., Program Graduate

“Wow, I never thought I’d be here. For the last 7 years I have been fully dependent upon drugs and unable to deal with life on my own. I had told myself and expected the fact that I would use for the rest of my life and I was actually convinced I operated better with drugs. The longest I’d ever been clean was 3 weeks and those were miserable weeks. But eventually life became miserable with drugs and I thought there would be no end to this. When I decided I wanted help I was not only lucky enough to find Narconon, I found SRC. I was very skeptical at first and thought, how will this help me stay off drugs. But after sauna not only did I have better senses and absolutely no physical cravings, my physical pain in my back went to almost nothing and I got normal sleep back. The rest of the books gave me the ability to learn and confront the problems in life I have been hiding with drugs, I gave myself all the excuses in the world why I did drugs and how it was other peoples fault. After Book 6 I truly found why I started using and the habits that led to it traced back to when I was 5 years old. Then Book 7 allowed me to handle these problems so I can move on with life. I’m glad I came to SRC and actually looked at SRC as my home. I met many awesome people and will carry these memories from here with me forever.” – G.H., Program Graduate

“It seems like a lifetime ago that I didn’t even feel that I was worthy of help, much less happiness. I feel like a different person today. I am confident, optimistic about my future and I care about others again. I feel physically better than I ever have before, and emotionally stable. This program has helped me gain control of myself and my ability to confront life. It has taught me how to learn and communicate. Most importantly, I have let go of the past, confronted my actions and learned how to improve my condition across every facet of my existence. I am extremely grateful to all of you for your support, humor, kindness and dedication.” – J.H.

“SRC, my home away from home. I came to this program thinking I didn’t have a problem. Embarrassed of my past and trying to make sense of what my life had become. I arrived to finish this program in order to get my children back. The technology I learned is going to do just that for me. I went through change after change and always wanted to know WHY. This program has a way of making someone who truly wants a better life get just that. I’ve had the opportunity to make some pretty awesome friends who are like myself in a lot of ways.  SRC changed my life! I was on a path of destruction for several years never knowing if it would end. SRC broke down the issues I had that I wouldn’t confront. At times I would ask why they wanted to tear people apart so much. I just couldn’t figure it out. Then one day, I woke up and realized it was actually them building me back up! They helped me find who I really am and what my life is really about. Words are not enough to let anyone really understand how much I needed this program. I am so grateful for all the time and energy each staff member has given me. Without your support and drive, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.” – L.W.

“Wow! It’s finally here! What a good feeling this is to just finally complete something in my life. I’ve never completed anything I’ve started, school, college, the navy, and even more little things… This place showed me the way to happiness and for that I would firstly like to thank my family, without you guys… none of this would’ve been possible. I’d also like to thank the students and staff here because you guys helped me out so much, Eric and Richard thank you for giving me the chance to prove myself, Maggie and Andy thank you for putting up with so much of my nonsense in the course room, Scott thank you for always talking to me when I was down and wanted to leave. Everyone played a huge role in helping me through the program, but one thing I realized is the biggest thank you has to go out to myself, because without the guts to come back and face the music I definitely wouldn’t be here right now.  When I first got here I didn’t care about anything, in fact I came here lost you could say. I had no idea what was going on, I was in a state of confusion. I didn’t want to be here, I made a lot of mistakes and through all my mistakes, someone on the top of the food chain knew I could be helped, and wanted to help me. Nobody gave up on me, no matter how many times I called my family telling them I wanted to leave. In the beginning of the program I screwed up. I ended up going home for a week, against the center and my family’s recommendation. So after a week, I had to learn to take responsibility for the things I do, and I know what needs to be done. So I came back, and this time I came back with the intention on being happy, and getting through this. I knew there was still so much to learn from the program. Eric, Richard and Tammy made the decision to let me come back even though I blew the program. What a blessing that was. Because I knew I could do it. I just needed the push to go that extra mile, everyday. Finally I learned about responsibility, while started to really look at and address all my past actions, I realized that by admitting all this stuff that I’ve done, and putting it on paper, I was taking responsibility for the things I’ve done. Pretty soon I just felt great about my life, and where it was headed. It was like I had been born again, had a new start on my life. The bad things I’ve done no longer held me back, and impeded my chance at completing a goal of mine, which was to complete this program. Just being able to hear my dad stand up and say, “I’m proud of you son” was like the greatest moment of my life. All I ever really wanted in my life was to be able to be a good son, take responsibility for my actions, be happy, and be true to myself. Without this program I wouldn’t have had the integrity to tell myself, you can finish it, and then honor that by completing. Without a doubt in my mind this is the greatest, happiest day in my life. I did it, and the way to happiness really is here. The opportunities are endless and everything just kind of falls into place for you when you do the right things, and hang out with the right people. I wouldn’t have changed anything in my life. I’m so happy to be here right now telling you that you can do it, just like me.” – J.B.

Testimonials by SRC Sauna Detoxification Completions

“When I came to SRC, although it was not medically diagnosed, I honestly felt like I was dying. I was down to my lowest weight ever in my adult life, 111 lbs and I couldn’t hold down much of anything. I also, as everyone knows by now, didn’t sleep more than an hour at the most, in my nine days in withdrawal. Within a week of being in sauna I was getting 4-6 hours of sleep a night and eating like a horse. Everyday after that in the box yielded more and more impressive results, such as my taste, hearing and sense of smell returning to a level that I can’t even remember; I gained over 20 lbs and also honestly feel like a new person. Although “the box” is not the easiest place to sit in day after day, I would swear by its results and suggest it to anyone in the situation we have all put ourselves in.” – A.N., After the SRC Phase One Sauna Detoxification

“When I first got to SRC I felt like my life was in turmoil. I had alienated myself from my kids and wife and I knew that was not how I wanted to live my life. I feel that sauna has given me a new lease on living. My mind is no longer foggy and I can think clearer than I have in years. My senses are all back stronger than ever. I can contribute all this to the sauna program. My main goals when I came to SRC was to get off drugs, feel more healthy and be able to sleep. It was rough at the beginning but with the help of the awesome staff members, I achieved all these goals in a relatively short period of time. I really owe everyone here at SRC a debt of gratitude. You guys have helped save my life. THANK YOU!” – S.A.

“Prior to entering the sauna program, I had heard students and staff tout the benefits of sauna. Honestly, I was a bit wary of the actual results that I was supposedly going to experience.

But within just a couple days, I began to see drastic improvements in my perception, cognitive skills, physical and mental sense of well being. These improvements increased through the entire program. Though I will be leaving to confront problems and difficulties, I now feel empowered to do so without frustrations and self-pity. I highly recommend the sauna program.” – G.I.

“The sauna is truly amazing! So many wins! I feel as though I have a brand new body. I feel brighter, alert, aware, and clean again. While in the sauna my biggest wins were realizing that my happiness isn’t dependent on my body and that I don’t have to be the effect of negative things around me. I feel like a whole new person, like I’ve woken up for the first time in my life!” – B.M.

“From day one and everyday thereafter, my body, mind and spirit went though a wonderful transformation. In my opinion, I would suggest to anyone suffering through their life with drugs, all the let downs, mood swings and anxiety (just to name a few) have subsided or gone away. My outlook and mind along with my body feel the best I have since I was 18 years old. Thanks for the opportunity and all the help I received along with way.” – J.H.

“I reached a major win today by completing the New Life Detoxification Program. When I started the program I could hardly walk for 20 minutes during the exercise portion. Nineteen days later, I reached a major win by running a 30/30 (30 minutes of straight running). When I first started sweating in the sauna, my sweat seemed dirty. By day nineteen my sweat had become clean. During my sauna program I quickly began eating and sleeping in healthy amounts. My drug cravings went away and I was able to set and attain daily goals. I developed a regular schedule and kept to it. Today for the first time in years, I feel clean, healthy and alive.” – R.B.

Family Testimonials

Dear SRC:

“I just wanted to let you know how wonderful ‘J’ is doing and to thank you for giving me my son back. I don’t think I will ever be able to thank you properly. ‘J’ and his cousin are working on their GED’s and are looking at colleges for next year. They are both free of drugs, thanks to your program. We did have an adjustment period when ‘J’ got home but things have fallen right into place after a few days.  He is respectful and sweet and seems to really be on track.  There are days I can’t believe this is the same child.  Thank you!” – C.B., Mother

Dear SRC Staff:
“We just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your services at your Spring Hill facility, we believe it will save our son’s life.  Our visit there this weekend was a pleasure, we actually were able to sit and talk with our son like we could years ago, he was calm, sharp and seemed to have a purpose, or direction. Believe me for the last few years all these traits were non-existant.

The program and the professional staff have worked wonders, not only with our son, but it is evident in all your students there; they are kind and courteous, it was more like being with a group of college graduates discussing future plans.”

Sincerely, R & C