Over the years, SIWEC has helped many people financially, socially and emotionally. Welfare is only one aspect of SIWEC. Some volunteers have helped counsel and guide drug addicts at the DRC.Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with someone who was counselled by such a volunteer.
Q: What led you to take drugs?
A: I was a teenager then. I was curious and bored and wanted to try new things. My friends were smoking and drinking and I wanted to have a sense of belonging in this group.
Q: What drugs did you take?
A: I started with a soft drug like marijuana and later took harder ones like heroin.
Q: How did you buy these drugs?
A: I am not proud of this but I cheated, lied and even stole to get my hands on the drugs.
Q: What made you decide to change?
A: I had been in and out of prison and DRC several times and I asked myself if this is what I wanted. I realised that there must be more to life than this. That year I also lost a very close family member. I did not like the life I was leading.
Q: How did SIWEC help?
A: I was arrested for drug taking and had to be in DRC for the next two years. There at the DRC, SIWEC counsellors gave religious and emotional guidance and support. Although I had attended the sessions before, this time they were more meaningful to me as I had made up my mind to change for the better.
Q: What part did the Sikh Volunteers play in your recovery?
A: The regular counselling sessions helped to build self confidence in me. I recall how one volunteer would give us a big hug and would listen to us attentively. This boosted our morale.
Q: Tell us about your present state.
A: Now I have a stable job with a stable income. I have made some friends. I still have my old friends but am stronger to resist temptation. I know what is important to me - strong family bond is necessary and family can help to overcome any hardship.
Q: It is very brave of you to come forward with your story; what do you hope to achieve by doing this?
A: My journey out of drugs was a long and painful one. I feel that parents play a major role in our lives and children should have an open relationship with them. I lacked that and the volunteers from SIWEC helped me see that. Parents and children should communicate openly so that they will be able to come to them if they need any help.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I have kept off drugs for some years now and am a happier person. I still keep in contact with SIWEC counselors but we are more like friends now. I do wish to be a volunteer one day to help other drug offenders. I think I can better understand the addicts and hope to use my knowledge and experience to reach them.
With that our interview came to a close. He seemed very contented with his present life and had positive plans for the future. We all wish him the best in all his undertakings.