How drug abuse almost ruined my life

My name is Ayotunde Olamide, and I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. Growing up, I had a very promising future. I was known for my academic brilliance, and my parents always believed in me.

I was their pride, their shining star, and they dreamed that I would grow up to achieve great things.

But as I reflect on my life now, I realize how close I came to losing everything because of a decision that seemed innocent at first but quickly spiraled out of control.

It all started during my teenage years. I had always been a quiet, disciplined child, but when I entered secondary school, I started feeling the pressure of fitting in. My classmates, who I had always admired for their confidence and social lives, introduced me to smoking cigarettes.

At first, I thought it was nothing—just a way to relax after school. I convinced myself that it wasn’t harmful. “It’s just tobacco,” I would tell myself. But, slowly, I found myself caught in a cycle I couldn’t break.

The real turning point came when I was in my final year of secondary school. I was under immense pressure to pass my final exams, and a friend of mine named Jide suggested we take a substance called “codeine” to help us stay awake and study for long hours. It seemed like a harmless idea at first—just a way to boost my energy and focus.

But as time went on, I began to rely on codeine more and more. Soon, it wasn’t just about studying anymore; it was about escaping from the constant pressure and the world around me.

I remember the first time I truly felt the grip of addiction. I had finished my final exams and should have been celebrating the end of that chapter of my life. Instead, I found myself using the drug more frequently, and I started missing out on important social events and family gatherings.

My relationship with my parents began to deteriorate. My mother, Titi, would notice that I wasn’t eating properly, and my father, Olatunde, who had always been a stern man, began to worry. But I would always tell them I was fine.

As the years went by, I entered university in Ibadan, hoping that the change in environment would help me focus. But the temptation of drugs followed me.

I started hanging out with a group of friends who were also into drugs. We used marijuana, cocaine, and other substances, convincing ourselves that it was just a phase and that we could quit whenever we wanted. But the addiction kept deepening.

I lost interest in my studies. The dreams I once had of becoming a successful engineer seemed distant and unimportant. My friends were all I cared about, and all we did was party and get high.

There were days when I would wake up, not knowing what had happened the night before. I would find myself in unfamiliar places, surrounded by people I didn’t know, and I started missing classes.

My grades dropped, and I knew deep down that I was ruining my future, but I couldn’t stop. The high felt too good, and the thought of facing life without it terrified me.

One night, after a particularly wild party, I had an encounter that changed my life. I woke up in a hospital bed, unable to remember how I got there. My mother was sitting by my side, tears streaming down her face.

She explained that I had overdosed on a mixture of substances and was rushed to the hospital by a friend who was also concerned about me. I saw the disappointment in my father’s eyes, and for the first time, I realized how deeply I had hurt my family.

That moment was a wake-up call. I knew I had to change, but breaking free from addiction wasn’t easy. I went through a long and difficult process of rehabilitation.

The road to recovery was filled with challenges, and there were days when I wanted to give up. But with the support of my family, and the guidance of counselors, I slowly began to rebuild my life.

Now, looking back, I realize how close I came to losing everything. The people I loved, the dreams I had, and the future I worked so hard for were all slipping away because of a decision I made when I was young.

But I also realise that I am lucky. Many people never get a second chance, but I did. Today, I am free from the grip of addiction, and I’m working hard to finish my education and build the future I once dreamed of.

To anyone reading this who might be struggling with substance abuse, know that there is hope. It may seem impossible at times, but you are not alone.

Reach out for help, and take that first step toward recovery. Life is too precious to throw away, and you are worth the fight.