Stories from the Rehab Center

Belarus

In the Rehab Center in Svetlagorsk, Belarus about 300 people have already gone through the rehabilitation program. In this article you can read the stories of individuals.

Svetlagorsk has the highest rate of addicts with 6,153 reported addicts (2010). The average age of drug users is constantly decreasing. Two thirds are between 15 and 25 years old. In 1998, the Rehab Center of TOS Ministries International was established right there. The center offers 15 therapy places.

The therapy consists of an outpatient rehab, followed by admission to the inpatient rehab. After successful completion of the rehab, the rehabilitants live in aftercare apartments in order to be reintegrated into normal everyday life and at the same time continue to be cared for until they can stand on their own two feet. The rehabilitants are encouraged to make amends for damages from the past and to ask for forgiveness. By clarifying relationships from the addiction period and by taking responsibility for their own life in this way, they are less prone to relapse.

Roman*

My name is Roman and I used to be addicted to drugs and alcohol for 16 years. Now I have successfully completed the one-year rehab program and I live in a aftercare apartment, which is supervised by the staff of the Rehab Center. I have also found a job. I am very grateful for the fact that I have received so much help. Now I can lead a normal life. This would have been impossible before.

Slava*

My name is Slava and I am 19 years old. I started taking drugs at the age of 13. From that time on my life went downhill. The drug addiction led to violent nightly panic attacks and I realized that I had to change something. So I came to the Rehab Center of TOS Ministries International. This was a turning point in my life. Now I have finished the therapy and go to aftercare. At the moment I am deciding whether I will work or study next. In any case, I am sure that my future will be good, because I am a changed person. 

Lev K.*

My name is Lev and I am 30 years old. I was sentenced to prison for the first time when I was 16 years old because of my drug use. Through addiction I lost everything over time. It was all about the drugs. Only when I came to the Rehab Center of TOS Ministries International through a friend, my life changed. There I was able to overcome the addiction and I was accompanied in getting the relationship with my children back in order. I will finish the therapy and start a whole new life. 

Inga*

My name is Inga. After years of drug addiction, once in the Rehab Center of TOS Ministries International, I learned to live a steady life. In therapy I was supported in getting the relationship with my family back in order. Now I am able to lead a normal everyday life and continue to go to aftercare. I live together with other former drug addicts in a shared flat and have found a job.

*Names changed

If you want to know more about Belarus and the work on site, you can read here.