Struggling addicts should sacrifice festive season partying altogether if they want to remain on the road to recovery, 10-years-clean East London rehab centre founder Yeshigan Dasram says.
As the festive season approaches, many people will be tempted to indulge in alcohol and other substances, often in the name of merriness, Dasram, 41, of 4 Brothers Drug Recovery Centre in Gonubie, said.
The proud recovering addict urged the public to make safer and healthier choices this holiday season, especially those with a past of addiction.
“Choose safety over substances.”
Drawing from a decade of recovery and a life once nearly destroyed by addiction, Dasram said he found joy in family, faith and purpose.
“I think of my 10 years in recovery as a miracle,” Dasram said.
“I tried everything to escape my addiction, but nothing worked until I turned my will and my life over to the care of God.
“Since then, my life has been filled with ‘wow’ moments, freedom, happiness and joy. Only God could and would [save us] if we sought Him.”
Recalling the day everything changed, Dasram said he was sitting on a pavement in one of Johannesburg’s roughest areas, broken “financially, emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually”.
“I had run out of resources and plans. There wasn’t a person in this world who still had an ounce of respect for me.
“I realised I was hurting the people I loved the most. I prayed desperately for a normal life.”
Shortly afterwards, his eldest brother Shaun asked what he wanted to do. Stripped of pride and out of options, he said: “I don’t know what to do. You tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”
That same night, he was admitted into Breaking the Chains Rehab in Lenasia, owned by Uncle Manny Sigamoney, a moment that would alter the course of his life.
“I haven’t had a ‘normal’ life since then. I’ve had an extraordinary one. Even the death of my close brother Sumeshan didn’t shake my recovery. My recovery gave me strength.”
Dasram says December is one of the toughest months for people struggling with addiction, as triggers multiply everywhere.
“Even innocent family parties become dangerous.
“That faint music in the distance is a trigger. Seeing people drink is a trigger. The Christmas bonus is a trigger. A nightclub advert is a trigger. Peer pressure is a trigger,” he said.
“For a struggling addict without support and coping mechanisms, everything becomes a trigger because they want to be part of the festivities.
“But they don’t know how to do it sober.”
He says recovering addicts need to avoid what he calls “play places, play things and play people” or the environments, objects and individuals associated with past addictive behaviour.
“It’s like putting a child in a room full of candy and expecting them not to eat any.”
While admission into a rehabilitation centre remains the best option, Dasram acknowledges that it’s not always possible. He recommended attending AA meetings in East London.
He said never leave an addict alone during the festive season unless they are with other recovering addicts and always showing love, but tough love to them.
“The therapeutic value of one addict helping another is unparalleled,” he says.
“Anyone is welcome to contact me on WhatsApp,
072-186-2942.”
He also warns families not to underestimate “cross-addiction”.
“A cocaine addict might think alcohol is safe during celebrations. It never is. Alcohol will trigger the cocaine again. There are no healthy alternatives to drinking or using.”
Dasram said there is no safe level of substance use for someone struggling.
“Addiction is progressive. Drugs today are more dangerous than ever. Sixty percent of our patients are crystal meth addicts. It’s an evil drug.”
His message to struggling addicts is: “They have bigger concerns than celebrating. If they stay clean now, next Christmas will be different.
“They’ll have new associa-tions, new habits and a new perspective.
“To the still-suffering addict, I was once at my lowest point. I’ve met thousands who were too, and today they’re flying high without drugs,” he said.
“I have seen God’s handiwork in my life and in the lives of many. Stay away from that first drink or drug, no matter what. Contact me. Seek help. Don’t hide it. Gone are the days when addiction carried shame.”
Even at 10 years clean, he remains vigilant.
“My recovery is my lifestyle, and I’m in love with it. I don’t ever want to go back. There was too much pain.”
His festive plan? Happiness the sober way.
“I intend on having a blast this festive season with my family and other recovering addicts.
“Complete abstinence. One drink or drug is too many, and a thousand is never enough.”
