Addiction knows no boundaries; it can devastate anyone, irrespective of their social standing. It destroys futures and tears families apart. However, by equipping ourselves with a deeper understanding of its causes, consequences, and prevention strategies, we can build a strong defense, especially for our youth and young adults, who represent the backbone of our society. Their potential is vital to our collective future. Together, we can forge a path toward a brighter destiny – Purpose Rwanda.
This article aims to deeply explore the experiences of beneficiaries, uncovering the insights and invaluable lessons they have gathered along their journeys. Life is a continuous learning experience, extending far beyond the classroom. We absorb knowledge from our families and communities, consciously and unconsciously shaping our understanding of the world. Unfortunately, some of these lessons carry negative consequences that can profoundly impact us.
When individuals courageously share their difficult experiences and testimonies, they illuminate the path for others who may find themselves on a similar journey, allowing them to learn and grow. Those who have not yet faced these trials also stand at a crossroads; without awareness of the dangers lurking in everyday life, they risk becoming victims themselves.
At this critical moment, we are focused on understanding the complexities of drug, alcohol, and sex addictions. By doing so, we empower ourselves to prevent these issues from taking root in our lives or to seek healing if we are already affected. Through shared knowledge and awareness, we can forge a brighter, more informed future for ourselves and those around us.
We involved two beneficiaries – Mushimiyimana Diane and Kabanda Emmanuel – in this conversation, and here are the points we gathered from each of them based on the questions posed. This was done after obtaining their informed consent, and they shared information that anyone can benefit from as follows:
Purpose Rwanda: Can you tell us about your recovery journey and what made you decide to ask for help?
Diana: My recovery journey began with the realization that I was losing myself to alcohol addiction. The turning point was when I joined Purpose Rwanda over a year ago because of the spiritual service they offer for healing. I got inspired and became a good Christian. I started following and practicing the Christian teachings of self-forgiveness, repentance, and meditation on my life. With this, I feel I am part of a family at Purpose Rwanda because we all share the same experiences and encourage each other toward healing and recovery.
Emmanuel: What brought me to Purpose Rwanda over a year ago was the message that it offers targeted spiritual services and counseling for those struggling with addictions. I was an alcohol addict. Purpose Rwanda welcomed me with love, care, and empathy. This deeply made me reflect on the impact of my actions. I decided to ask for help by ensuring I attended Purpose Rwanda’s services every Wednesday, which empowered me to seriously start my recovery journey to reclaim my life and find hope. I am happy after recovery; I am attending the Purpose Development course at Purpose Rwanda with great motivation and focus, and I have no intention of going back to the past life that greatly affected my family and those around me.
Purpose Rwanda: How did Purpose Rwanda support you during your recovery and help you grow personally?
Diana: Purpose Rwanda played a crucial role in my recovery by providing love and helping me regain the self-esteem and hope I lost due to addiction. Their compassionate team offered guidance related to the struggles I was going through, enabling me to acquire coping strategies that have facilitated my recovery. I learned to love myself, which encouraged me to view myself as a source of hope for others facing similar challenges. Purpose Rwanda also encouraged me to embrace my healing process as a rare opportunity because I have the strength to embark on more productive activities that can benefit my children. This motivated me to pursue my goals of recovery and life with determination.
Purpose Rwanda: What were some tough situations you faced while recovering, and how did you get through them?
Emmanuel: During my recovery journey, I faced several tough situations that tested my resilience. One of the most challenging moments was when my friends abandoned me because I refused to remain addicted, leaving me feeling isolated without them. It was also difficult to be in their company, especially at parties, where they wished I would drink but I chose water instead. In those instances, I leaned on Purpose Rwanda and my family, who remained supportive and loved me. This helped me grow resilient while building a new path toward a new life. Purpose Rwanda taught me to treat myself with kindness during tough situations, enabling me to recover more effectively. By facing challenges head-on and utilizing the available resources, I not only learned to cope but also grew into a more resilient individual ready to embrace life’s opportunities.
Diana: The recovery journey was not easy; I grappled with many challenges. I faced significant temptations to return to drinking, which had ruined my life. My friends continued to influence me to rejoin their group of drinkers. A friend who had been helping me with rent also abandoned me, resulting in tough financial challenges. I addressed these challenges by turning to prayer, and Purpose Rwanda counselors encouraged me to express my feelings openly in group counseling sessions, where I received valuable encouragement on how to resist temptations along the way. Sharing my experience with others going through similar struggles provided immense comfort and a constant reminder that I was not alone. Additionally, Purpose Rwanda’s development sessions helped me build social skills and confidence. Staying in the same environment, especially with my group during counseling sessions, allowed me to face my fears. Through these situations, I discovered the importance of self-compassion.
Purpose Rwanda: What important skills or lessons have you gained from the Purpose Development course that you think will benefit you in the future?
Emmanuel: The Purpose Development course I am attending is already changing my life considerably. It’s making me think more constructively about my family and national development programs. The lessons I have learned have equipped me with valuable skills: I learned the importance of self-awareness. Understanding my strengths and weaknesses has empowered me to set realistic goals that motivate my personal development and contribute to my country. I also learned the importance of being in a group focused on development. Additionally, I gained insights into the significance of good health and resilience, which are essential for navigating life’s challenges. The focus on teamwork and collaboration has prepared me to contribute positively in group settings, fostering a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose.
Purpose Rwanda: Can you share a moment in your recovery when you felt a big change in how you think or feel?
Diana: A very important moment in my life was during a spiritual service when I shared my story for the first time. At that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of release. The support from Purpose Rwanda staff and the group I was praying with made me feel hopeful and not judged for my past. This has allowed me to live in peace, with a strong hope for self-development. I am passionate about sharing the recovery process I have achieved through prayer, sharing my testimony, and counseling with others still struggling with addiction, so they may be inspired to take the same direction and recover. This change in perspective empowered me to embrace hope and actively pursue my goals.
Purpose Rwanda: How do you think telling your story can help others who are still dealing with addiction?
Diana: Telling my story to others grappling with addiction serves as a beacon of hope that all is not lost if one agrees to start a journey of recovery. Sharing the challenges I encountered along the way, without giving up, can help others break down the isolation many feel. Hearing my story and the factors that contributed to my success fosters a sense of connection and understanding, letting them know they are not alone in their fight. The story of how God helped me recover through Purpose Rwanda is likely to inspire others, and I advise them to join Purpose Rwanda and fight their addiction with hope.
Emmanuel: Sharing my story helps others differentiate between what is good and what is bad, aiding them in making well-informed choices while being aware that addiction is a destroyer of lives and dreams. By showing them what worked for me, I can inspire them to seek a similar path to healing. They can learn from my story and be encouraged to open up about their own experiences. I believe that telling my story will resonate with someone in a similar situation who can use it to transform pain into purpose, demonstrating that recovery is not only possible but attainable with persistent prayer, perseverance, and support.
Purpose Rwanda: What do you see for your future now, and what goals do you want to reach?
Emmanuel: Looking toward the future, I want to be a good Rwandan, purposeful, and addiction-free, inspiring many people to do the same. I will ensure that no one in my family, especially my children, will become addicted like I did. My plan is to start a large business if I find some capital, contributing to community development in a significant way. I envision positively impacting my community by advocating for mental health and addiction awareness and supporting those in need as much as I can. Furthermore, I want to build stronger relationships with my family and friends, who understand that the path I took is a good one. In recovering, I should also help them to recover so we can build our community together. Leading a fulfilling life is my ultimate goal, and step by step, it is possible to create a lasting impact. Each step I take will bring me closer to these aspirations, as underscored by my recovery journey supported by my wife and children over the past year.
Purpose Rwanda: What would you say to someone who is struggling with addiction and is afraid to seek help?
Diana: If you are struggling with addiction and feeling afraid to seek help, I want to tell you that you are not alone. Many people in the Purpose Rwanda group face similar situations, but they have recovered because they courageously took the right steps and now do not regret the changes they have experienced.
Consider talking to Purpose Rwanda; you will receive the encouragement and support you need to navigate the difficult times created by alcohol and any other addiction and recover.
Prayer, with the intention to recover while among people who have had similar experiences, helps and heals. Embrace the possibility of a new beginning; pray and seek advice from Purpose Rwanda counselors who have helped me and many others to recover.
What Did We Comprehend and Conclude After the Conversation with Emmanuel and Diana?
- If one embarks on the journey to recover from addiction with full willingness, hope, and conviction that they are doing the right thing, recovery is within reach and achievable.
- Stigma can be challenged during recovery when one remains committed to the steps taken, recognizing that these steps are in the interest of oneself, the family, and the community.
- No one stands alone until the game is over. The roles played by counselors, preachers, and teachers are critical throughout this journey. Seeking help doesn’t mean you’re weak; it shows strength and a desire to improve your life.
- The families of the beneficiaries have supported their journeys, a situation anyone should be proud of and grateful for.
- Above all, it is through the grace of God that this transformative journey has become possible. Commitment, willingness, and hope cannot be purchased; they are priceless gifts that fuel our recovery. The healing power of God operates beyond any monetary value—what money cannot achieve, God can accomplish in miraculous ways.
Some of Our Recommendations to the Readers
- Let’s all treat addiction as a dangerous enemy to progress; therefore, it should be prevented at all costs.
- Parents should lead exemplary lives that their children can be proud of and aspire to emulate. This means it’s not too late for parents struggling with addiction to accept recovery and regain sobriety.
- Rehabilitation is a resource worth investing in. A rehabilitated person regains their sense of self and can become a significant asset to the family and the community.
- Let’s support the fight against addiction in ways we can afford. Whether through monetary donations, volunteer work, or donating items in kind, we can feel the impact of our contributions in saving lives.
- Last but not least, if a family has a member struggling with addiction, care for and pray for that person. Find out what happened and consult with a counselor about how the person can be helped. If the counselor recommends therapy as one of the comprehensive solutions, accept this advice, and it will lead to positive outcomes.
Together, we can sustainably build a purposeful and addiction-free generation.
