From Pills to Peace

September 2024

Recovery Story: Yasmine

"It wasn't until her arrest and incarceration in the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) in 2016 that Yasmine was forced to confront the harsh realities of her situation."

 

Yasmine's journey through addiction is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Like many who have been through this struggle, it is a story of struggle, introspection, and ultimately, recovery. 

It all started innocently enough when Yasmine began experimenting with prescription medication at the age of 20. Initially, it was just a casual indulgence once or twice a week. However, as time passed, this occasional habit soon escalated into an addiction, involving daily use by the time she turned 24.   

To sustain her addiction, Yasmine resorted to unfavourable measures, including clinic hopping and sourcing for supplies from the black market. The vicious cycle seemed unbreakable, and Yasmine found herself trapped in a downward spiral of substance abuse. 

Her life took a turn when she relocated to Australia in 2014. Faced with limited access to prescription medication, Yasmine turned to marijuana (weed) as a substitute to cope with the added challenges of adjusting to a new environment. Yasmine didn't perceive her substance use as an issue, and instead found solace in the camaraderie of friends who shared similar lifestyles. 

Returning to Singapore two years later, Yasmine found herself introduced to methamphetamine by fellow using friends, as weed was not readily obtainable. Justifying its use as a means to cope with irregular work hours, she convinced herself that it aided her productivity despite the obvious potent and destructive consequence of the drug. 

Despite the concerns of her family and the warning signs of her deteriorating health, Yasmine remained mired in her denial, convinced that she had control over her addiction – all while continuing to engage in reckless behaviours such as not sleeping for days, and driving under the influence. 

It wasn't until her arrest and incarceration in the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) in 2016 that Yasmine was forced to confront the harsh realities of her situation. Although she attended individual counselling sessions during her 6 month sentence, the absence of a structured aftercare programme left her vulnerable to relapse upon her release as she rushed to jump straight back to work. 

With 4 years of abstinence from substances, Yasmine was determined to remain clean. However, the onset of the Covid pandemic proved to be a challenging time for her as with many others. Struggling with the isolation and uncertainty, she found herself once again succumbing to the lure of using prescription medications as a means to cope. 

The withdrawals Yasmine experienced from prescription medications proved to be an excruciating ordeal marked by intense physical and psychological distress. Alongside grappling with the torment of withdrawal symptoms, she also faced the additional burden of weight gain. Amidst these challenges, Yasmine found herself in a tumultuous period at home and at work, burdened by mounting responsibilities and navigating through personal problems and increasing stress from work. Despite her struggles, she hesitated to reach out for support, viewing it as a testament to her perceived weakness, thus compounding her isolation and struggles. 

In 2022, Yasmine unfortunately turned back to meth once again in an attempt to tackle her weight issues and wean off prescription medications. This undoubtedly lead to her second arrest within months and subsequently an 8 month sentence back in DRC. 

This time however, she was determined to break free from the cycle of addiction and decided to join the Project SAFE (Support for Addicts and their Families through Empowerment) programme at WE CARE upon her release. 

Although she was initially sceptical about the effectiveness of counselling, and felt that it was risky for a group of recovering addicts to be together, she remained open-minded and was willing to participate in the group programmes such as the lunch time support group meeting. 

“When I attended my first lunch-time support group meeting, they closed the meeting with the serenity prayer and I thought to myself is this a cult or what?” 

Continuing to attend the sessions initially out of obligation to fulfil the programmes’ requirements, Yasmine aimed to quickly complete the mandatory sessions and move on. 

However, amidst one of these gatherings, a sharing struck a chord within her: "addiction is a lifelong disease with no cure." This simple yet profound statement sparked a shift in her perspective. As she grew acquainted with fellow members and forged meaningful connections, Yasmine found solace and support in their shared experiences. Through their stories and camaraderie, she gradually came to recognize the value of these sessions, ultimately embracing the principles encapsulated in the serenity prayer. 

Unlike her previous experience, Yasmine chose not to hastily return to work following her completion of the programme. Instead, she prioritized her recovery journey, diligently attending sessions at WE CARE twice a week. After six months of focused effort and self-reflection, she eventually resumed her professional responsibilities.  

This time around, Yasmine gained a newfound understanding: there existed a distinction between merely abstaining from substance use and actively engaging in the process of recovery. Reflecting on her past struggles, she acknowledged the absence of essential tools to navigate the complexities of recovery during her initial attempt at sobriety. 

Despite having a supportive network of family and friends, Yasmine grapples with the challenge of discussing her addiction with them, fearing their apprehension and worry that she might relapse into drug use. However, finding solace in the non-judgmental environment at WE CARE, Yasmine discovers a safe space where she can openly express her emotions without fear of stigma or reproach. 

As Yasmine approaches the milestone of 18 months in recovery, she reflects on the progress she has made while not being complement, especially during periods like holiday seasons. Despite the temptation, she remains resolute in her commitment to sobriety, drawing strength from new healthy coping mechanisms and strategies she has learned. 

With the increasing responsibilities she faces in her professional life, Yasmine acknowledges the potential triggers that may threaten her recovery. However, rather than succumbing to anxiety about the future, she embraces the mantra of taking things one day at a time – a valuable lesson gleaned from her experiences in group therapy. By focusing on the present moment and prioritizing self-care, Yasmine navigates the complexities of her journey with resilience and determination. 

Today, Yasmine stands elegantly as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others struggling with addiction. While her journey has been marked by setbacks and obstacles, she remains steadfast in her commitment to recovery. With the support of WE CARE and her newfound community, Yasmine looks forward to a future filled with promise and possibility. 

 

by Simon and Yasmine 

Simon is currently on the WE CARE Comms team. 

Yasmine joined WE CARE as part of Project SAFE and drops in regularly at our Drop-In Centre.