𝐑𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬𝐡𝐨’𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐳𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐬: 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞

…overcoming addiction, inspiring hope, and advocating for compassion and understanding

By Ngawang Jamphel

From the clutches of chronic addiction to the beacon of inspiration, Rinchen Phuntsho’s journey encapsulates the universal struggle against substance abuse, offering profound insights into the complexities of recovery and societal acceptance. Through his introspection and advocacy, Rinchen beckons a society steeped in compassion, urging for understanding and support for those fighting addiction.

Rinchen Phuntsho, aged 37, has battled chronic addiction for almost 16 to 17 years. He acknowledges that everyone has their own story behind addiction, but for him, it began with experimenting with alcohol, starting with beer in the company of six friends. Despite initially being involved in sports like football, his interest waned as drugs and alcohol took over. Instead, he found himself seeking out festive gatherings where he could indulge in his addiction. Addiction not only derailed his passion for sports but also altered his social preferences, leading him down a destructive path.

Despite being the youngest in his family, Rinchen received unwavering support from them as he battled addiction. In 2014, while working for a construction company in Tsirang, his heavy alcohol consumption led to a serious illness: liver jaundice. This health scare served as a wake-up call, signaling the need for him to regain control of his life. His body had reached a breaking point, compelling him to seek detox and subsequently enter rehab for the first time. However, despite his efforts, the cycle of relapse and detox became a familiar pattern. Nevertheless, his family remained a pillar of strength throughout his journey, offering support and encouragement, fueling his determination to overcome addiction and reclaim his life.

Despite multiple stints in rehab, he experienced relapses, possibly due to overconfidence in his ability to control his intake. Rinchen delineated the complexity of relapse, emphasizing its multifaceted nature. He categorized relapses into two types: physical or tactical relapse and mental relapse. Physical or tactical relapse occurs when the body craves drugs or alcohol, leading to consumption. On the other hand, mental relapse arises from emotional distress or burnout, driving individuals to seek solace in substance abuse to alleviate pain. He clarified that family issues weren’t the root cause, likening his struggles to a volcano, where suppressed emotions erupted suddenly. In these moments, drugs and alcohol became his companions. Although he hasn’t pinpointed the exact trigger for his relapses, he’s introspectively searching for answers.

Rinchen attributes his unmarried status to his past struggles with drugs and alcohol, which consumed much of his time and energy, leaving little room for romantic relationships. However, he has since embarked on a transformative journey. Currently, he devotes his time to volunteering at the Happiness Centre, where he selflessly serves others. Moreover, he has discovered a newfound passion for driving, particularly as a pickup truck driver for hire. Obtaining his driving license while engaged in volunteer work at the Centre, Rinchen now finds fulfillment in navigating the roads and providing transportation services to others.

Despite not meticulously planning his life, Rinchen is driven by a desire to be a good son and a responsible citizen. This motivation guides his actions as he seeks to contribute positively to society and build meaningful connections with those around him. Through his commitment to service and pursuit of personal interests, Rinchen’s journey exemplifies a remarkable transformation from battling addiction to finding purpose and fulfillment in serving others.

Rinchen’s impassioned plea for compassion and understanding resonates deeply within society, urging a paradigm shift towards inclusivity and support for every individual’s journey. He emphasizes the fundamental truth that mistakes are inherent in the human experience, and as such, no one should be condemned indefinitely for their past actions. By advocating for a culture of forgiveness and second chances, Rinchen seeks to instill hope and resilience in those who may have stumbled along their path.

In challenging the prevailing tendency in Bhutanese society to judge others based on superficial traits, Rinchen highlights the importance of embracing diversity and respecting individual autonomy. He recognizes that preconceived notions based on appearance can lead to harmful stereotypes and unjust treatment, emphasizing the need for a more open-minded and accepting approach towards differences in personal expression and lifestyle choices.

Central to Rinchen’s message is a call to confront the pervasive issue of alcohol abuse, particularly among the youth. While acknowledging the cultural significance of alcohol, he stresses the imperative of educating society about its adverse effects and advocating for responsible consumption. By raising awareness and fostering a culture of moderation and accountability, Rinchen hopes to mitigate the destructive impact of alcohol abuse on individuals and communities alike.

Furthermore, Rinchen’s concern for the youth extends beyond substance abuse to encompass their overall well-being and development. He passionately advocates for the cultivation of alternative outlets such as sports and other interests, which offer constructive avenues for self-expression and personal growth. By nurturing their talents and passions, Rinchen believes that youth can find purpose and belonging within society, thus avoiding the pitfalls of addiction and social exclusion.

In essence, Rinchen’s message serves as a powerful call to action, urging individuals and communities to embrace empathy, tolerance, and proactive engagement in addressing societal challenges. Through his advocacy for forgiveness, acceptance, and empowerment, Rinchen strives to cultivate a more compassionate and equitable world where every individual is afforded the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the collective tapestry of humanity.