REFORMED drug dependent Jimmy Clemente, who now runs his own drug rehabilitation centers in Bacolod City and Cebu City, was invited to speak in a world convention of recovering addicts in Orlando, Florida on September 1.
Clemente who serves as the chief executive officer of Better Days Ahead Recovery Center in Bacolod City and The Farm in Cebu City enjoys a meaningful life with his family after he strongly said "no to drug use" for close to a decade already.
He was grateful for his life now because he is doing great without the use of illegal drugs.
He was invited to speak about his "new way of life."
"Every event about recovery, I am always invited to impart my own personal experience about drug use which I cannot refuse because I also believe that I can definitely help those who are still on the process of recovery," he said.
"Having a new of life, I need somebody who can guide me to the path of new life. It is like that I am a tourist in this new world without drugs. I need to practice tolerance towards my spiritual principles such as being patient and accepting life's challenges. Doing things without the use of drugs is very overwhelming, thus, I am still practicing doing things without drugs. I will continue to practice living my life without drugs until I get used to it and enjoy it," he said.
He added: "I am used to using drugs when I am bored and happy. Before when I am angry, I use drugs. But now, if I am angry, I just get angry and that's it. It will just fizzle out."
He was rehabilitated 17 times.
"With my recovery progressing, whatever suggestion I had from others, I followed. Blessings came to me. My parents supported me and gave me a job. They let me decide for our business and it became successful," he said.
He urged everyone not to use drugs anymore as drug addiction is considered a disease.
