My name is Patrick Mugai, I was admitted into Jorgs Ark Centre at the beginning of 2009. I was a complete alcoholic, desperate with no ambition, and unknown to me I was dying. (According to a doctor, my bodily organs were about to start failing one by one)
How I began treatment
In Jorgs Ark I was treated for my alcohol addiction and taught how to live with the condition by my one on one counselor Bwana Philip (God rest his soul). I immediately connected with him because we had a similar past/background and were of the same age group (rika).
I was in treatment for three months. The first month was adjusting and learning how to live without alcohol. The second month I got to know my strengths, weaknesses, and dove deeper into what alcohol does to an addict. I then started the 12 steps program.
By then with the guidance of my skilled counselor, I had renewed hope of developing myself. I renewed awareness of the endless opportunities I still had. I also came up with a plan of making amends with all I had wronged, and most importantly had renewed hope in life.
Restoration in my final month
In the third month, I was ready to wind up my remaining steps in the program. The most amazing thing happened, two weeks to the end of the program I came to the realization (like a EUREKA! moment) that me and Alcohol cannot travel the same path! It would totally consume and destroy me!
Back to school and career path
I am proud to say that the three months I spent in Jorgs Ark Centre gave me a second chance in life. I went back to school and earned my IT Degree from the University of Greenwich in London and was able to work in various banks and other financial institutions. I am currently working at Baltimore City Department Housing as an IT Consultant earning over KShs. 360,000.00 net per month!
As I write this letter, I am a beacon of hope to all addicts out there who have given up in life. I tell them “IF YOU WORK IT, IT WORKS.”
My final advise to addicts
Don’t let the booze choose your destiny, let God or your higher power make your destiny. I leave you with the words of Nelson Mandela, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”