From Addiction to Hope: A Journey of Transformation

[Krishna tamang]

Hello everyone, Namaste.

I hope you are all doing well. My name is Krishna Tamang from Dhading, Nepal. I work as a Community Facilitator at Peace for People under the ARC Running Project.Today, I would like to share a story of transformation. It is the journey of one person who overcame alcohol addiction and rebuilt his life. I hope this story is meaningful and inspiring for you.

About three to four months ago, while visiting families and conducting SALT Conversations in the community, we met a family facing a serious problem because of alcohol addiction. The man's wife shared that her husband drank heavily every day. He would leave home early in the morning and return late in the evening. He did not work regularly, spent most of his time drinking, argued with family members, and ignored their concerns. Because of this, the whole family was suffering emotionally and financially.

We believed that positive change was possible. I discussed the situation with Sristi and Ritu, who encouraged me to continue regular follow-up, build a trusting relationship with him, and keep using the SALT approach. They reminded me that change takes time, but it is possible when people are supported with respect and patience.

We first had a SALT Conversation with his friends. They shared the strengths of their village, what they were proud of, and the challenges they faced. During the discussion, they also told us that their friend had struggled with alcohol for many years. Although many people had advised him to stop drinking, nothing had changed. This conversation helped us understand his situation more deeply.After that, we organized Group SALT Sessions in different parts of the village. Community members openly discussed how alcohol was affecting families and the community. At the same time, we regularly visited his family, listened carefully to their feelings, hopes, and concerns, and continued encouraging them.During this period, his mother passed away. It was a painful moment for him and his family, and it became a turning point in his life.Some time later, we heard that he had stopped drinking. I visited him to learn more about his journey. He looked happy and confidently shared his experience. He explained that he had started drinking while working abroad because he felt lonely, stressed, and struggled with many difficulties. Even after returning to Nepal, he could not stop. His alcohol addiction caused financial problems, family conflict, and social challenges.However, through regular SALT Conversations, support from his family, and his own self-reflection, his thinking gradually changed. After his mother's death, he realized his responsibility toward his family. He said, "Now my home, my family, and my children are my responsibility." This realization gave him the strength to completely stop drinking.

Today, he has completely stopped drinking alcohol. This positive change has transformed not only his own life but also the lives of his family members and the wider community.Arguments and stress at home have greatly reduced. Trust, love, and family relationships have become much stronger. He now takes responsibility for his family, supports household and financial work, and spends his time on productive activities. Community members have noticed his positive changes and appreciate his efforts.Most importantly, he is now willing to share his experience with others. He said,I experienced the difficulties of working abroad and the pain caused by alcohol addiction. I do not want other young people in my village to make the same mistake. I want to share my story to encourage and guide them." His commitment has brought hope and inspiration to the community.Regular SALT Conversations, group discussions, family support, and continuous follow-up helped him realize that he was not alone, that change is possible, and that every person has strengths within themselves. Today, he actively participates in community activities and has become an inspiration to others.

Reflection

This journey is not only about one person giving up alcohol. It is a story of hope, relationships, regular conversations, and the power of community support.

It reminds us that lasting change begins when people are treated with dignity and respect, when communities work together, and when individuals are encouraged to discover the strengths they already have. Every conversation matters. Every person has potential. Every small positive step can become the beginning of a life-changing journey.

Thank you.