Kenyan media personality Fareed Khimani shared profound insights from his ongoing journey to sobriety.
After years of battling drug and alcohol addiction, the popular radio presenter embarked on a journey to recovery in 2018 by going to rehab in South Africa.
In a recent heartfelt message posted on his social media platforms, Fareed shared the mistakes he made and the lessons learned along the way aiming to guide and inspire others facing similar struggles with addiction.
A Day at a Time
Fareed reflected on the initial misconception of looking at sobriety in the long term, stating, “I won’t be able to drink on my birthday” or “What about New Year’s Eve?” Fareed stresses the significance of living in the present, making the journey more manageable, and fostering mindfulness in other aspects of life.
Navigating Relationships and Environments
Fareed dispels the notion that one can maintain the same social circles and environments while undergoing a sobriety journey. He candidly states, “I can still spend time with the same people and go to the same places.” However, he adds a sobering truth: “No, you can’t. Please don’t fool yourself.” Fareed acknowledges the need for a change in relationships and surroundings to support the recovery process.
Leaning on Support Systems
Another crucial lesson shared by Fareed is the misconception of handling the journey alone. “I can do this shit on my own,” he admits was a mindset he had to overcome. He urges others to lean into the support of family, friends, and support groups. Recognizing the strength in vulnerability, Fareed highlights the power of shared experiences and the importance of a robust support system in the recovery process.
Avoiding Replacement Addictions
One pitfall that Fareed acknowledges is attempting to replace one addiction with another. In his case, he candidly shares, “I did this with love. It always ended badly.” This insight serves as a cautionary note against substituting one unhealthy coping mechanism with another, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to recovery.
Exploring New Horizons
To fill the void left by addiction, Fareed encourages individuals to explore new interests and activities. He personally embraced this advice by learning to surf, and dance, and currently, by learning to sit still with his thoughts. This approach not only provides a healthy distraction but also opens up opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
The mental health advocate’s transparency about his sobriety journey offers a beacon of hope for those grappling with addiction.
