The role of family: Olaolu’s support system in overcoming addiction
By Suliah Lawal
Olalolu, a young and intelligent secondary school graduate, was a reserved and promising individual. He had a sheltered life during his school days, but later developed an addiction to smoking and fraud.
He learned how to smoke from his cousin during his UTME exam in Ogbomosho and became addicted. Despite being reserved and calm, he struggled with this addiction, which continued after gaining admission to Gateway Polytechnic in Ilaro.
There, he met old friends and made new ones, including a neighbour with whom he started smoking Canadian loud. His new friend introduced him to pills, which he took regularly, in addition to smoking and drinking.
One Sunday morning, feeling bored, they decided to attend a church program, where they were informed about an upcoming praise night.
After a football training session one Thursday, his friends wanted to get high, but Olalolu, tired of his lifestyle and the pressure to continue fraud, convinced them to attend the praise night with him.
However, his friends took pills before leaving, and their behavior during the church service was noticeable.
They left early, leaving Olalolu behind, and had a flat tire on their way back.
Meanwhile, Olalolu was deeply engaged in the praise night, and during the worship program, the pastor delivered a message that resonated with him. The pastor spoke about someone in the congregation struggling with wrongdoing and urged them to stop before it was too late.
Feeling the message was directed at him, Olalolu decided to quit his addictive habits and fraudulent activities.
He confided in his parents, who accepted and guided him toward a new life. With their help, he overcame his smoking addiction but struggled with masturbation and pornography. Frustrated, he left school and returned home, where his parents were processing his travel visa.
This decision proved beneficial, as he drew closer to God and eventually stopped all his addictions. He has since gained admission to his preferred university and is living a fulfilling life.
