After 20 years of being in recovery, I relapsed. I found myself buying pills off the streets in ever-increasing amounts to subdue the fear of what was happening to me. I felt as though treatment was not an option because I would lose my business and all the things that I’d worked so long and hard for all these years. I was indeed on the verge of a mental collapse. I kept praying and asking God to help me and guide me as to what to do.
Someone close to me told me about Gulf Coast Treatment Center (GCTC), and I called. I spoke with a very understanding lady, and I told her everything: my past, present, childhood, drug addiction as a teenager, adult life, prison, getting into recovery for over 20 years, relapse, and my phone call to her. I have since spoken to her on many occasions, as I’ve been in the program several months now. It has saved my life.
Upon entering the program, I was assigned a counselor and a physician. I have to attend some mandatory meetings at the clinic. My medicine was adjusted a few times until I was receiving the proper amount. At one point, I was re-assigned to a different counselor. He was older and was in recovery himself, so he had the perspective I needed for my situation. He and the doctor kept a close eye on my anxiety level because it was at a very serious point. The doctor instructed me on some other medications that help with anxiety (other than benzodiazepines), and I started responding and getting better. Even the nurses who provide the medication helped me and were truly concerned. They would always ask me how I was doing and helped me with whatever I needed. I quit using any other drugs and was able to follow my program.
My counselor and I speak often. I have met many other clients and have spoken with them about GCTC’s program. It has given me insight into a new life. I realize how many people this program has and does help. I have been able to apply this program and follow it. It has given me back the life that I had almost lost. I feel that God led me to GCTC, and these wonderful professionals who were able to help me. I was on the verge, the cliff, the edge, the point of no return, and I want to shout out to this wonderful staff — “YOU SAVED MY LIFE!”
For more help or information, please contact Linda Gabriel at 251-865-0123 or lgabriel@gulfcoasttreatmentcenter.com
