My Personal Recovery Ally Journey
I am Meen Bahadur Poudyal Chhetri, a dedicated recovery ally. This role originated from my tenure as the Director of the Department of Narcotics Control and Disaster Management within the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Government of Nepal, beginning in February 2001. Presently, I serve as a researcher and an independent consultant, contributing to both substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) efforts. Also, I proudly assume the role of a Steering Committee Member within the Recovery Allies Learning Collaborative of Africa and Asia (RAALCA). This platform serves as a conduit for shared knowledge and experiences, fostering dialogue among allies dedicated to the cause of recovery. Our collective commitment finds expression in a resolute endeavor to cultivate drug-free societies across Asia and Africa. With a clear-sighted vision, unwavering mission, and steadfast goal, we forge a path that heralds a brighter future. Our shared endeavor involves the meticulous formulation of a roadmap imbued with a crystalline vision, a resolute mission, and an unwavering goal.
My journey toward substance use disorder and/or prevention is as follows:
In the years 2002 and 2003, I undertook an extensive research study focused on drug abuse prevention under the prestigious Humphrey Fellowship Program at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, U.S.A. This invaluable opportunity granted me an immersive experience, unveiling the multifaceted dimensions of drug abuse challenges and the intricate tapestry of treatment methodologies. I was an eager participant, attending scholarly lectures delivered by esteemed faculty members and seasoned experts.
As I returned to my homeland from the U.S.A., my dedication remained steadfast. I undertook numerous drug abuse research initiatives across diverse regions of Nepal. My commitment was not limited to academic pursuits; I carried out awareness and education campaigns, leveraging training sessions and interactive programs. In my efforts to control substance abuse, I actively participated in the formulation and implementation of narcotics control legal tools. Moreover, I have graced a multitude of national and international platforms, participating in conferences and workshops that illuminate the path toward effective substance abuse prevention and treatment strategies.
My knowledge and understanding of recovery, prevention, and treatment is rooted in comprehensive research and learning, my expertise is further enriched by practical experiences gained through active engagement in prevention and treatment programs. The synergy between my theoretical knowledge and hands-on involvement empowers me to appreciate the nuanced complexities individuals face at various stages, fostering a holistic and empathetic approach. This fusion shows the need to bridge theory and practice in order to address these critical aspects of substance abuse.
While helping those who are seeking recovery or are already in it is captivating because one gets to see how people change and become stronger while they work hard to overcome addiction. Their journey shows how determined they are to beat challenges, reminding us that people can improve and start again. Therefore, it’s essential to avoid stigmatizing any of these groups and to treat them with empathy, respect, and understanding. Each stage of the journey—recovery, prevention, and treatment—plays a critical role in addressing substance abuse at different levels. I really like doing research, especially about recovery. I'm curious about how different recovery methods work in the long run and what helps people stay away from substances. Additionally, investigating the role of social support networks, both online and offline, in strengthening recovery outcomes presents a fascinating opportunity to understand the power of community. Another thing I'm excited about is how new technologies, like online groups, can make recovery easier for people. Studying these things could teach us better ways to help people heal and change their lives.
Research in the field of recovery deserves funding due to its potential to bring about transformative change and improve the lives of those struggling with addiction in the community through Informed Strategies; Tailored Interventions; Reducing Relapse Rates; Stigma Reduction; and Community Empowerment. Eventually, funded research has the potential to bridge the gap between theoretical insights and real-world impact, significantly improving the lives of those affected by addiction within the community. By informing interventions, challenging stereotypes, and enhancing resources, such research can be a catalyst for positive change, fostering healthier and more resilient communities. As a recovery ally, I understand the important difference between recovery support services and traditional aftercare. Aftercare services focus on the transitional phase immediately following treatment. In contrast, recovery support services---like recovery itself--- are long-term and ongoing. While aftercare offers guidance and strategies to prevent relapse during a time-bound post-treatment phase, recovery support services aim to support the individual in recovery year after year, fostering sustained well-being and abstinence through peer engagement, skill-building, and community integration. As a recovery ally, I am proud to support and advocate for the powerful long-range vision of positive change and ongoing growth that underlies lasting recovery.