Mangaluru: On the eve of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025, a stirring session at Town Hall witnessed Beena, a former addict turned certified counselor, recount her extraordinary 13-year journey from addiction to recovery. Her heartfelt story moved the audience, especially the young attendees, showing that no matter how lost one feels, hope and healing are possible.
Beena shared how she once led a life filled with promise—as a top student and athlete from a traditional family. “Being the youngest of four daughters, I had everything—except what I thought was freedom. I misunderstood independence and lost my way,” she admitted.
What began with casual smoking and alcohol soon progressed to marijuana and more. Despite having a successful HR career and international travel opportunities, her substance abuse spiraled. “The more I earned, the more I spent on drugs—up to ₹35,000 a month,” she revealed.
Eventually, her addiction took full control. “I needed a drink the moment I woke up. I had become numb. It wasn’t me anymore,” she said, reflecting on her lowest point.
In a desperate moment, she reached out to her mother, who simply said, “Just come back.” That call changed everything.
Beena described the initial days of detox as tormenting. “I shook uncontrollably, mentally and physically. My mother had to admit me to a psychiatric facility,” she recalled.
Ending her talk, she warned: “Today, our youth are in prisons, hospitals, rehab, or dead. If we don’t act now, we lose our future.”