Godfrey Swai My journey with drugs began at the age of 15, when I started smoking cigarettes and marijuana. In 1992, I was exposed to heroin after a dealer hid the substances in our home, and curiosity led me to experiment. By 1993, I was chasing heroin, and in 1999, due to scarcity, I began injecting. I continued injecting until 27 September 2011, when I enrolled in the MAT program at Muhimbili National Hospital. After years of relapse struggles, I finally completed treatment in November 2018 and began a new sober life.
My drug use brought significant challenges: losing family relationships, community respect, and my chance to complete my degree at IRDP. I experienced stigma, discrimination, mob justice, homelessness, and a near-fatal overdose that left me unconscious for more than 12 hours. Despite multiple attempts to quit in 1999, 2002, and 2007 I relapsed each time.
I am deeply grateful to DCEA, MAT programs, and special thanks to Dr. Jessie Mbwambo for their support, guidance, together with my late mother’s encouragement, helped restore my life.
My life today is a testimony that recovery is real and possible.
Through MEFADA, I continue serving others with the message: SUPPORT DON’T PUNISH.