After 16 years of struggling with addiction and homelessness, 28-year-old Josefa Bitu has found a new direction in life, driven by faith and a desire for healing. Bitu’s journey into substance abuse began at the tender age of 12 due to peer pressure, leading him into a cycle of addiction marked by drug dealing and alcoholism.
Reflecting on his past, Bitu shared, “Before I came to the programme, my life was a mess. I was an alcoholic, and my actions tore my family apart.” After years of disconnect and turmoil, a moment of spiritual awakening prompted him to seek help through the Adult and Teen Challenge Fiji rehabilitation program.
Since joining the program, which has shown promise in aiding individuals to turn their lives around, Bitu describes a significant change in his circumstances. He expressed gratitude for the program’s community, stating, “The people here – the pastors, the staff, the brothers; they welcomed me with love and kindness. I finally found peace.” Today, he has been reunited with his family, who are now recognizing the positive transformation he is undergoing.
Bitu’s story aligns with the wider narrative of recovery seen in Fiji, where rehabilitation centers like Adult and Teen Challenge play a crucial role in addressing the growing addiction crisis. Similar to Bitu, individuals like Inoke Uganidavui and Kris Avikash Prasad have also graduated from this program, highlighting its effectiveness in fostering recovery and reintegration into society.
Both Uganidavui and Prasad have shared their experiences of overcoming the grips of addiction, emphasizing that hope exists for those ensnared in the cycle of substance abuse. Program director Reverend Epi Ligairi expressed optimism that these success stories can inspire others, urging a collective focus on recovery rather than stigmatization.
As Bitu prepares to share his journey during this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 30, he hopes his message resonates with others still trapped in addiction. “There is hope. God still loves you, and He has a purpose for your life,” he urges, emphasizing that transformation is within reach for anyone willing to seek support.
Bitu’s journey is not just a personal victory; it represents the potential for change and redemption within the larger community, shining a light on the power of faith-based rehabilitation efforts in Fiji.
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