𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬: 𝐁𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐑𝐚𝐣’𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫

…𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒖𝒃𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑼𝒔𝒆 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒚’𝒔 𝑺𝒕𝒊𝒈𝒎𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏

By Ngawang Jampel

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) casts pervasive shadows globally, affecting individuals, families, and communities. In this darkness, Bhim Raj’s narrative epitomizes the arduous battle against addiction, illustrating the challenges faced by those grappling with Substance Use Disorder. Despite his initial attempts to resist temptation, he ultimately succumbed, emphasizing the insidious nature of addiction. His story resonates with many who confront similar struggles, offering a glimmer of hope amidst despair.

Bhim Raj Biswa, 30 years old from Langchenphu Gewog under Samdrup Jongkhar, embarked on a journey of drug experimentation, initially experimenting with marijuana before progressing to other substances. Prior to high school, he upheld a pristine record, but his introduction to drugs occurred during his college years in Sikkim back in 2014. Despite initial attempts to steer clear of such temptations, he ultimately succumbed, leading to a perilous descent into addiction.

Multiple factors contributed to Bhim Raj’s addiction. Firstly, the ready availability of drugs played a significant role, presenting constant temptation. Secondly, the newfound freedom that college life afforded him likely contributed to his experimentation, as he navigated newfound independence. Additionally, the pressures of academic studies and familial expectations likely weighed heavily on him, potentially driving him towards substances as a coping mechanism. The burden of balancing academic pursuits with familial obligations may have overwhelmed him, leading to seeking solace in substances. Lastly, poor life decisions, perhaps fueled by the altered state induced by drugs, may have exacerbated his situation, compounding the challenges he faced.

After graduating from college, he returned to Bhutan, only to find himself still grappling with addiction. Jobless and consumed by drugs, he fell deeper into addictive patterns. Despite marrying and starting a business in Phuentsholing in 2017, his battle persisted. Initially, work kept him sober for a year, but the strains of business and family reignited his reliance on drugs. Familiar with their allure and the temporary relief they provided, he succumbed to addiction once again- a fateful decision with dire consequences.

Initially, his family remained oblivious to his drug use. However, the situation escalated when he delegated his business responsibilities to his wife. Phuentsholing’s proximity to the border rendered drugs more accessible, exacerbating his addiction. The crisis peaked when his wife caught him with drugs at home, leading to police involvement and familial confrontation. Faced with the severity of the situation, his parents sought counsel from the Happiness Centre’s founder, ultimately deciding to enroll him in a rehabilitation center in Siliguri – Rewa Rehabilitation Centre for three months.

During his time in rehab, he underwent a transformative journey through the teachings of “Life with Narcotics Anonymous.” The program’s 12-step approach provided him with invaluable insights into self-awareness and the adverse impact of substance abuse on both the individual and the community. Equipped with newfound knowledge and determination, he left the rehab facility with hopes of a fresh start.

However, his optimism was short-lived when he faced the harsh reality of rebuilding his life after rehab. His marriage crumbled under the weight of distrust and resentment, leading to divorce and triggering a mental relapse. Struggling to navigate the turbulent waters of sobriety on his own, he sought refuge with his parents, offering his assistance in their shop. Yet, the insidious grip of addiction persisted, tormenting him with relentless cravings and inner turmoil.
Recognizing the crucial necessity for a supportive environment devoid of drug temptation, Bhim Raj courageously confided in his mother. Together, they diligently explored avenues for his continued recovery, ultimately discovering solace within the compassionate embrace of the Happiness Centre. With resolute determination and the unwavering backing of his family and the rehab center, Bhim Raj embarked on a transformative journey of healing and self-discovery.

Expressing profound gratitude for the unwavering support he received, Bhim Raj extended heartfelt thanks to those who aided him, while sincerely apologizing to anyone he may have troubled along the way. Through his actions, Bhim Raj not only exemplifies the power of humility and resilience but also marks the invaluable role of a supportive network in overcoming the formidable challenges posed by Substance Use Disorder.

Driven by a profound sense of purpose and compassion, Bhim Raj now dedicates himself to serving others in the Centre. His main focus is to extend assistance to individuals struggling with addiction, offering guidance and support to those who, like him, aspire to embark on the journey towards sobriety and positive life changes. By sharing his own experiences and providing a beacon of hope, Bhim Raj embodies the transformative potential of redemption and the profound impact of extending a helping hand to those in need.

Bhim Raj Biswa’s primary goal now is to prove to his family that he is clean, but he encounters significant hurdles in charting a path forward. With limited financial support and his business as the only viable option, he finds himself at an impasse. Complicating matters further is the societal stigma surrounding recovering addicts. Bhim Raj elucidated how the community struggles to accept them, often labeling them derogatorily as “drug babu” and the like. Such hurtful epithets deeply wound their sentiments, dampening their spirits despite their earnest efforts to lead responsible lives.
Reintegrating into society proves challenging as the lack of trust impedes their job prospects. This lack of trust stems from entrenched misconceptions and prejudices against recovering addicts. Their sincere desire for redemption and a fresh start is overshadowed by societal skepticism.

Despite the odds stacked against them, individuals like Bhim Raj harbor aspirations for a brighter future. They long for understanding and empathy from the community, yearning for their stories to be heard and acknowledged. Their plea is not just for personal redemption but also for societal acceptance and support in their journey towards rehabilitation and reintegration. It’s a plea for compassion, recognizing their struggles and championing their resilience as they strive to overcome the challenges of their past and carve out a new, dignified existence.

Bhim Raj’s experiences reflect the broader challenges faced by recovering addicts in rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into society. The societal stigma surrounding addiction often exacerbates their struggles, hindering their efforts to secure employment and regain the trust of their communities. Despite their determination to overcome adversity, they are met with skepticism and prejudice, perpetuating a cycle of marginalization and despair.
However, amidst these challenges, there is hope. By fostering a culture of understanding and empathy, communities can provide the support and acceptance needed for individuals like Bhim Raj to thrive. Education and awareness initiatives can help challenge misconceptions and combat stigma, creating a more inclusive society where recovering addicts are valued for their resilience and contributions.