16 Oct A life beyond my wildest dreams by marlene nadel (Class of 1972)
Hello, my name is Marlene and “I am an addict”. I learned those words many years ago, and I think that it is one of the most profound statements I have ever made. When I came to CRI-Help, in July of 1971, the program had only been open for a couple of months. This humble looking house reminded me of some of the hippie communes I lived in during the years I took drugs. To make a long story short, this humble house in Sun Valley, California and the people who lived there turned out to save my life. I was 22 years old when I entered treatment at CRI-Help. Some thought that was such a young age to declare myself an addict. It seemed a harsh judgment to make about myself. I was an overdose user, and I had taken every drug you can think of that was popular in the 1960’s, up until 1971. I believe that had I gone one more year in my disease of addiction, I would not be here typing this right now. I would not have lived to see 23 years old. I started overdosing on a regular basis in my drug use and as I look back I believe I wanted to kill myself.
It is difficult to put 49 years into a couple of paragraphs. I have thought a lot about what I should write. Today at 71 years old, I am grateful, content, and filled with love for myself and others. I have a family which comes with all the ups and downs most families do. I have two daughters, two granddaughters, and one grandson. I have been married for 40 years (that is hard to believe), and have lost my parents and brother years ago. Like all of us, life shows up. CRI-Help taught me that. I parked my car this morning in our lot, and walked up the stairs. The minute I walk into our lobby and see other staff and clients, I feel the fullness in my heart. I love addicts, and alcoholics. This does not define the person but their disease. This program is where lives are turned around like mine was. It is a place of “Miracles” and I feel honored to be a part of such an amazing team for all these years.
In closing, I want to also express my gratitude to Jack Bernstein, our CEO. When I walked in the door of CRI-Help, I made a big mistake and used some drugs that I had snuck in. I thought these pills were not my problem, it was the heroin I was injecting into my body that was my problem. Well, Jack was in a position to decide my fate. I could have been discharged at that time for drug use. He decided to give me a chance and because of that interaction and decision, I have been given a life beyond my wildest dreams.
Thank you, Marlene Nadel.