The story of a NEO Center client: From isolation to freedom

The story of a young woman who found the strength to overcome years of addiction and isolation. Thanks to treatment at the NEO Center, she broke free from the destructive cycle, discovered herself and found a new direction. Be inspired by her story and you will discover that change is possible.

The path from addiction to a new life

I was locked in isolation in my room for several years, first at my parents' and then at my own home. I did nothing.

I had a nice childhood, but I always had trouble socializing – especially at school, with my classmates. I felt like I was different and didn't belong anywhere. No matter how hard I tried to belong, I found that it wasn't possible.

I first tried alcohol when I was about 13, and smoking when I was 14. I was drawn to experimenting. With a bunch of friends, we tried everything. We had parties, bought alcohol and weed.

At 15, I also started going to bars where there were older people, and that's where I started to feel like I belonged. I wanted to continue experimenting with drugs, and my peers didn't want that anymore.

I started using drugs at 15. I tried ecstasy, MDA, cocaine. Then at 17 I started taking Xanax for depression and anxiety and that was the first major problem. When I stopped taking it, I started to feel withdrawal symptoms.

I also ended up in a children's detox, several times at the Motol Hospital. I wasn't interested in help, so there was no result.

I lied to myself that the drugs were helping me and healing me, that I could function better with people, that I had less anxiety. When I woke up after taking Xanax, I didn't remember anything. I felt that it was helping me with psychological problems like depression and psychosis, that things were better with the support of the drugs.

But then it was destroying me and I didn't see it, I didn't want to see the problems. Psychoses were more common and I thought it was normal. But suddenly there was a turning point that I didn't really notice.

I was in Bohnice 3 times. My family warned me about the problem, but I denied it. It took a while and only after some time did I admit that I had a problem. I was almost 21.

I've been sober for over two years now. I still have therapy and follow-up treatment, but I feel good.

It was really good in Neu, but of course it was challenging. I remember crying every day. I also went to the hospital for IVs. But it was worth it!

Sobriety can only continue if a person is honest with themselves and true to themselves.

Thank you NEO.

Do you need help?

Psychologist and addictologist of the NEO Center Michael Ramon Bruer on the client's story

Does starting alcohol or drug use as a teenager/young adult increase the likelihood of developing an addiction problem?

Yes, it has been proven that the younger a person starts drinking or using drugs, the greater the likelihood of developing an addiction. Since the brain does not fully develop until around the age of 25, using drugs at an early age can negatively affect brain development.

How can I help teenagers and young adults if, as a loved one, I see that they have an addiction problem?

It is ideal to have an honest discussion with them, without attacks or threats. If there is already an established pattern of addiction, it is recommended to seek professional help. If it is possible to use professionals who specialize in helping young people, so much the better. Prevention is also ideal! This can also help to provide proper education regarding addictive substances and provide enough alternative opportunities for their use. It also proves to be a positive preventive measure when a young person plays sports or does other healthy activities.

Will it affect teenagers and young adults if they have to deal with addiction at a young age?

Addiction at a young age can certainly leave its mark, especially if it was severe. However, overcoming addiction can actually be a powerful positive force in a person's life. Achieving and maintaining sobriety requires personal growth and development, and can therefore give a young person an advantage when they are older.

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CERAD s.r.o. holds the accreditation of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic for the implementation of the specialized educational program "Healthcare Psychologist - Clinical Psychology"