Six months ago, I was in a bad place in my life and found a drug called Kratom that you can buy at smoke shops that gave me temporary hits of euphoria.
At home, my “always ready to pitch in and help the family” attitude/actions began to change. I had less motivation, interests and energy than my normal self before using the drug. My parents noticed the changes in my behavior and attitude. My family relationships were beginning to decompose.
When I was on the drug, I felt great! When I tried to come off of the drug, the withdrawals were physically uncomfortable.
Kratom was beginning to control me and I did not like it.
My parents reached out to 2 physicians before we found The STOP Clinic. Both physicians told my parents that the only way to come off of the drug was to wean myself for many months by taking Suboxone! My father did not want me to replace the current drug with another drug.
Leslie told my mom she needed to speak with me before accepting me into her program.
Leslie accepted me and we began.
Not only did Leslie help me get away from the drug, she taught me the importance of good nutrition to not only fill the void from the drug, but also use food to elevate my moods. Now, I am better about hydrating and eating foods that give me energy and a sense of well being.
After each treatment, I felt extremely relaxed and stress free. The tightness in my neck and chest is gone.
I am also learning to think more positively. I learned that staying busy for me is a “need” that I have.
During each visit, I learned new ways of coping and looking at things from a very different viewpoint.
Even though at first I did not want to stop the drug, after talking on the phone with Leslie (just one time) and planning our visits, I was ready to move forward with my life and leave kratom behind. I felt a sense of trust; I truly connected with Leslie immediately. I was comfortable with her, and I am not like that with just anyone, so that aspect of this therapy really helped the whole process. She’s taught me more than any psychiatrist, psychologist or nutritionist (which I have a Bachelor’s in). Learning to focus my mind elsewhere with Leslie’s tips and tricks were one of the most beneficial things to me. Leslie is an absolutely amazing person and this program truly works if you commit to it. I would recommend it if you have gone through anything like I have.
Ultimately, I have to earn the trust and confidence back from my parents… who have always been there to support me!
I also have to learn to love, trust and have confidence in myself and my abilities. I am thankful that I went through this program which made it easier for me to give up Kratom.
“Stone Cold”
Apex, NC