Music legend Sir Elton John announced something special on Monday – about his victory against substance addiction. This is what he shared on social media: “29 years ago today (July 29), I was a broken man. I finally summoned up the courage to say 3 words that would change my life: “I need help”. Thank you to all the selfless people who have helped me on my journey through sobriety. I am eternally grateful.” Music lovers, especially his fans around the world wouldn’t have dreamed in their wildest dreams that their idol was once a broken man yet he was - with all the riches and fame he had acquired. Drugs do not differentiate between the rich and the poor, or the laypeople and the famous. It is equally merciless to everyone. The legendary singer has celebrated 29 years of sobriety because after having struggled with drugs and alcohol for years, he knew that substance abuse could snatch away life like the flame of a candle in the wind. His success story is inspiring as he is one of the celebrities who broke from the chains of bondage of drugs and found his/her way back home; more so because it came from a well-known figure in the industry that has been accused of glamorising banned substances. It came a few weeks after singer Demi Lovato took to Instagram to celebrate one year of sobriety, expressing her determination to overcome her addiction to drugs. She checked into a rehabilitation centre more than a year ago after she was hospitalised for a heroin overdose. Their stories bore the strong testimony that drugs destroy life and brings forth the importance of good health and healthy lifestyle.
Substance abuse not only harms the users but also affects their families and the society. Despite the negative impact, thousands of people across the globe are struggling to come out of addiction. In Nagaland state too, there are lots of people who are struggling with alcohol and substance abuse. Reports and personal accounts of people who have overcome drug addiction have exposed that banned substances are easily available in the state, which is a matter of worry. Liquor has been banned in the state but the presence of many alcoholics tells a completely different story about the actual state of affairs at the ground level. Rules and regulations may have failed to check bad habits of the people but awareness programmes and education should help in reducing the menace. The unwavering spirit of some people to overcome their addiction inspires those in a similar path to get the right help they need to become sober again. Some, through their real life stories, make others realise that they are in trouble. Instead of discriminating and looking down on drug abusers, we should help them say “I need help” and support them throughout their recovery process. Everybody needs help sometime even if it’s not for alcohol or substance abuse. Sir Elton John too needed help 29 years ago but he is now helping others conquer the menace through his inspiring testimony. It takes just a little help to change a person’s life.
