𝐀 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…“𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒂 𝒇𝒆𝒘 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒏- 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈.”

By Tenzin Euden

In the embroidery of life, amidst its myriad threads of struggle and triumph, there are moments that shimmer with the brilliance of hope and resilience. Tenzin Loday’s journey stands as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for redemption and renewal. As he reflects on his path to freedom from addiction, he shares a profound insight that resonates with us all.

Tenzin Loday, a 42-year-old from Galing, Trashigang, courageously shares his tumultuous journey spanning over 14 to 15 years, marked by the shackles of addiction and the arduous path towards redemption. His descent into the grips of substance use disorder commenced at the tender age of 16 when he first succumbed to the allure of dendrite. With his parents residing far away, he found himself under the care of his cousin, a decision that would inadvertently steer him down a perilous path. The absence of familial guidance, coupled with a sense of alienation, fostered feelings of negativity and injustice within him, laying the groundwork for his descent into addiction. Once an exemplary student, Tenzin’s life took a drastic turn as he fell prey to the influence of misguided peers. The insidious grip of addiction tightened its hold, ensnaring him in its clutches and shattering his aspirations and dreams. Despite his efforts to break free from its grasp, his resolve faltered, leading him to seek solace in alcohol as a substitute for dendrite.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a condition characterized by a pattern of harmful use of substances such as alcohol, drugs, or medications, leading to significant impairment or distress. It’s often diagnosed when someone’s use of substances leads to negative consequences in their life, such as health problems, relationship issues, or problems at work or school. It can range from mild to severe, and treatment typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support groups.

The repercussions of his addiction reverberated through every facet of his life, tarnishing his role as a contact teacher and undermining his ability to fulfill his duties with diligence and integrity. His descent into oblivion rendered him unrecognizable- wasted, unmanageable, and consumed by self-destructive tendencies. Yet, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged- a beacon of light in the form of a steadfast support system and unwavering determination. Tenzin’s journey towards redemption was fraught with emotional turmoil and regret as he reflected on the wreckage he had wrought upon his loved ones. After resigning from his job, he spiraled out of control, eventually succumbing to the grips of addiction. It was a harrowing journey, marked by moments of darkness and despair. Suddenly, he collapsed in the heart of the Hongkong market, lost in a haze of substance abuse. While many passed by, oblivious to his plight, a few compassionate souls intervened. Thanks to the unwavering support of friends like Ashi Kezang Wangmo Wangchuck and Lam Zhenphen, he found himself on the path to recovery.

In the sobering light of hindsight, he acknowledges the profound impact of his addiction on his role as a father, husband, and son. His journey was not merely one of personal redemption but also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit- a testament to the transformative power of forgiveness, perseverance, and self-reflection. His journey was far from easy. Separated from his first wife, he endured the pain of loss and loneliness. Yet, he refused to succumb to despair, choosing instead to place his faith in fate. With nowhere else to turn, he sought refuge in a rehabilitation center in Serbithang, committing to a three-month journey of self-discovery.

But just as he reached his lowest point, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of his present wife. With her unwavering support and boundless compassion, she guided him through the darkest days of his addiction, becoming his guardian deity in the process. Today, he stands as a testament to the power of redemption and resilience. As a father of three daughters, he dedicates himself to their well-being, cherishing each moment of sobriety as a precious gift. For him, recovery is not just about overcoming addiction; it’s about embracing change and finding redemption in the face of adversity. Reflecting on his journey, he offers a poignant reminder to all: addiction knows no boundaries. It can happen to anyone, at any time. Yet through self-realization and unwavering determination, it is possible to break free from its grasp. He urges the youth to heed his warning: addiction is not the answer. Instead, invest in your future, nurture your dreams, and never lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel.

In the end, his story serves as a beacon of hope for all who struggle with addiction. It is a testament to the power of human resilience, the strength of the human spirit, and the transformative power of love and support. Today, Tenzin Loday stands as a symbol of hope- a living testament to the indomitable spirit that resides within each of us. As he looks towards the future, he does so with a renewed sense of purpose and a steadfast commitment to rebuilding his life, brick by brick, one day at a time.

Tenzin articulates profoundly, stating, “Thousands are called and only a few are chosen- the realization of being free of addiction at one point in time is a blessing.”