More Friends Using, More Loneliness

When Rubén found himself in deep despair, crying over everything and nothing, he knew something was terribly wrong. "It was such a real emotional pain that I couldn't escape it," he recalled during his appearance on the podcast "The Joy of Living in Sobriety," hosted by psychologist Enrique Corral. 

This marked the beginning of a process that would lead him to confront his addiction and change his life forever.

As his drug use increased, Rubén began to distance himself from his close circle of friends and family. "I pushed away those who truly cared about me and sought friendships that shared my vices, which only intensified my loneliness," he recounted. This isolation further entrenched him in his addiction, creating a cycle of self-destruction from which there seemed to be no escape.

The intervention that led him to the therapeutic community Misión Zoe was the turning point Rubén desperately needed. "At first, I resisted, but in the end, it was the best decision I ever made. I needed that treatment to get my life back," he remarks with a tone of gratitude, as he began to receive the specialized help he so desperately needed.

During his time in treatment, one impactful phrase resonated deeply with Rubén: "When you least feel like going to a group is when you most need to go." This simple yet powerful truth helped him understand the importance of staying on the path to recovery, even when everything inside him wanted to give up.

Withdrawal symptoms were one of the biggest challenges Rubén had to face. "There were moments of extreme anguish when I just wanted to use again," he admitted. However, with the support of the professionals at Misión Zoe and his determination to change, he managed to overcome these dark moments.

Reflecting on his past, Rubén has come to a liberating conclusion: he should not be ashamed of what he has lived through. "Living in addiction was the real hardship. Now, without it, life is much simpler," he assured. This acceptance has allowed him to move forward without carrying the burden of guilt.

One of Rubén's greatest achievements on his path to sobriety has been the rebuilding of his family relationships. He mentioned that the support he received allowed him to repair the bonds with his family, and now he enjoys his life and his children much more—a reconnection that has given new purpose and meaning to his existence.

However, not everything was easy. "There were nights when the desperation was so overwhelming that I doubted I would survive until the next day," he confessed, highlighting the severity of his emotional state before receiving help.

Finally, Rubén speaks about the moment when he decided it was time to change. "I made the decision to recover, and it has transformed my life. Now, I enjoy the small moments that I never even noticed before," he concluded. His story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that, with the right support, one can find the light at the end of the tunnel.

Rubén's story is an inspiring example of resilience and hope, demonstrating that, with the help of therapeutic communities like Misión Zoe, it is possible to rebuild a shattered life and rediscover the joy of living in sobriety.