Dealing with illegalities
It is often rare for a person to admit one's faults, especially when the cut is too deep. But this person I met about two weeks ago, Ryan Villareal, openly admitted to being a former drug addict. At the young age of 13, he was already into illegal drugs. He basically left the life that his parents wanted him to live just because of the substance that was taking over his body and mind. Fast forward to today, he is now a successful registered nurse plus a resource speaker for anti-drug abuse programs. Seldom do we hear stories like these, especially in the height of the war against illegal drugs.
I wonder if everyone who ever tried shabu would make a turnaround and start from scratch. It is long road to take, but at least it is worth the try. We do not hear much about success stories when they come out of rehabilitation. Studies say that when the environmental triggers are still experienced when they go back to their homes, then there is a tendency for an addict to go back to his old ways.
There is power in addiction. It takes hold of a person, controls one's life, and makes sure that it will be hard to go back to before it all started. Imagine how many people bowed to the dependence on illegal drugs and other substances. I cannot fathom how they get away with acquiring the drug (which is already illegal in its sense) and use it without getting caught. I can only imagine the anxiety that they will be feeling and also the feeling of ease after successfully completing one session.
But this does not only apply to drugs but to other things that are illegal too. In the political arena, we see many people who have left public service or have retired but are now back in office. It is scary that their illegal ways that were never uncovered would be practiced again. The generation today will suffer, and so will the future. But it's cliché to talk about the choices we made during the polls.
The point is we can all change, for good or even for the better. It will be hard, it will take effort and other people to look after and support you. These people will be instrumental in pointing out your wrongs. The question is if we can take on the challenge to change and to move forward to a greater life ahead.
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