The Journey to Healing: From falling apart to reclaiming your life
“Don't let the mistakes of the past define your future; you have the right to a good life”
Translate By: Thong Ling Hui
Image Editing: Lew Yen Yue
There are many amazing things in this world that we should discover. However, there's one thing we must never attempt, and that's drugs. Some people wrongly believe that drugs can bring them more joy and satisfaction, but the truth is they only lead people to decline and lose their true selves. Ah Huat, a former drug user, advises people based on his own experience not to depend on drugs to navigate through life, regardless of the challenges it presents. Recognizing the value of life, Ah Huat sincerely urges us to treasure it.
Lost Teenagers: When Drugs First Entered Their Lives
Ah Huat first encountered drugs back in the 1970s when he was just 13 years old. Ah Huat explained, "As a young and unknowing kid, when I faced difficulties at school, I chose to escape and skip classes with my friends." During that time, their daily routine involved selling overpriced tickets in front of a movie theater, and they even engaged in gambling and drinking. Once they were introduced to marijuana, their journey into drug addiction began.
"After trying marijuana, I gradually fell deeper into addiction. Marijuana didn't satisfy me anymore, and I didn't even consider it addictive enough. So, I started using pills and snorting heroin to get high."
Ah Huat found himself sinking into a dangerous cycle due to the pleasure he derived from heroin. However, this drug addiction not only drained him financially, but also pushed him to resort to stealing, robbery, and deception. Eventually, these crimes led to his arrest by the police and subsequent imprisonment.
Life in prison is boring. (Image from Pexels)
Countless trips back and forth to prison: A repetitive and boring routine
Ah Huat's family had continuously urged him to change his behavior. At first, Ah Huat made attempts to transform himself, but eventually fell back into his old habits. Instead of altering his mindset and actions, the punishment and confinement of prison pushed him into a cycle of recurring addiction. He has experienced numerous stints in prison, totaling 13 separate times, with the longest term lasting for 13 months.
"Prison felt numbing to me. Each time I entered, I encountered the same individuals, mostly burglars, rapists, and drug addicts. It was impossible for me to quit drugs while surrounded by people of the same kind."
The 13 months spent in prison were the most memorable period in Ah Huat's life. He remembers waking up at 6am every morning, then being escorted to the courtyard to assemble for the national anthem, followed by forming lines to receive breakfast at the cafeteria.
"I didn't enjoy conversing with others; I preferred solitude and often chose to sit in a corner."
Ah Huat describes how returning to the cell felt like falling into a repetitive rhythm of life, which became incredibly tedious. Everyday existence revolved around eating, sleeping, or doing nothing. According to his experience, the small cells could accommodate 7 to 8 people, while the larger ones could house over 20 individuals. Their lives were confined to a limited space, with no escape from the monotonous daily routine.
Moreover, Ah Huat shares insights into the actual environment and daily life within prison. Discipline is of utmost importance, and any violations committed inside the prison are met with severe consequences. In particular, conflicts and fights among inmates are strictly forbidden, fostering an atmosphere of harmony between them.
The prison has a cafeteria and a commissary where family members can purchase daily necessities during visitations. As prisoners heavily rely on their families for financial support, opportunities for personal purchases are relatively limited. Most of their time is spent eating and sleeping until their sentence is completed. However, compared to those serving lengthy sentences such as life imprisonment, inmates have the chance to find employment within the prison and utilize their earnings to buy items from the commissary.
A Journey of Determination: Setting Out on the Path to Recovery
In 2021, Ah Huat's family members advised him to turn his life around by seeking help at the House of Victory Drug Rehabilitation Center and staying away from drugs. Feeling like he had run out of options, Ah Huat finally made the decision to give it a chance after thinking it over carefully.
The learning space for students at the House of Victory Drug Rehabilitation Center
The "House of Victory" offers an 18-month program that provides counseling to help individuals reshape their lives and develop positive relationships, good manners, and effective ways of interacting with others. Here, Ah Huat has gradually changed his outlook on life. Although he still encounters negative influences from certain acquaintances, he has learned to distance himself from harmful temptations and completely avoid them. In addition to the support from his family, Ah Huat also receives assistance and motivation from his pastors. Their care and encouragement have made him realize that he is not alone anymore, and it has inspired him to persist on his journey towards a sober life.
Ah Huat's resting environment in the House of Victory Drug Rehabilitation Center
Renewed Hope: Ah Huat's Journey of Transformation
Ah Huat strongly advises young people to steer clear of drugs due to curiosity. Additionally, Ah Huat's personal journey serves as a reminder that the path to recovery requires determination and perseverance. Above all, it highlights the importance of not giving up on assisting and supporting those who find themselves trapped in the grip of drugs.
Ah Huat believes that individuals in the process of recovering from drug addiction require encouragement and confidence to persist in their battle against drugs. He emphasizes that it is everyone's responsibility to combat the drug problem, and we must collaborate to prevent the spread of drugs. It is crucial to provide support and assistance to those in recovery, while also working towards building a healthier and more prosperous future for our society.