In a heartfelt gathering that echoed with hope and resilience, the Alliance Wellness Center hosted an impactful event aimed at raising awareness and challenging the stigma surrounding drug addiction. Founded in 2015, the center has been a beacon of hope for countless youth, helping them regain their sobriety and reintegrate into society after battling the demons of addiction and substance use disorders.
The event, which took place on a crisp Friday afternoon, brought together families, alumni, and community members to foster dialogue on a topic often shrouded in shame. Yussuf Shafie, the founder and executive director of the Alliance Wellness Center, opened the event with a powerful message, urging families to show compassion toward their loved ones struggling with addiction. “Drug addiction is like a disease and can be treated,” he emphasized, reminding attendees of the importance of keeping those affected by addiction within the safety of their homes. “Please do not kick your children out of your houses, especially the girls,” he implored, highlighting the dangers they face on the streets.
Deqa Hussien, a parent whose son suffered from substance use disorder and eventually recovered, shared a powerful message with attendees. “We as adults tend to think that when a child becomes a drug addict, it’s a lost cause. Parents should not abandon their children if they become addicts. The moment you kick them out of the house is when all problems start.” She poignantly noted that such actions could lead to tragic outcomes, such as overdose or incarceration, emphasizing that addiction is a mental health issue that requires understanding and support.
The atmosphere was charged with emotion as alumni from the program shared their personal stories, shedding light on their journeys through addiction and recovery. Shafie acknowledged the pervasive shame associated with addiction, stating, “We are losing many young people to overdoses, and we need to end the shame and stigma because people are dying.”
Among the speakers was Abdisalan Uusey, who candidly recounted the weight of shame he carried within the Somali community, where addiction is often treated as a taboo subject. “I was afraid of being judged and misunderstood,” he shared, his voice tinged with the pain of his past but strengthened by his recovery.
Another powerful voice was that of Ubah Mohamud, affectionately known as Bella, who began her struggle with addiction at the tender age of 18. Her harrowing journey led her through cycles of substance use and incarceration, but it was her time in jail that eventually became a wake-up call. “I wish I had recognized earlier that my time in jail was a wake-up call,” Bella expressed, reflecting on how treatment at the Alliance Wellness Center marked the beginning of her recovery journey in 2017.
Mama Nasro, also a parent and community activist living in Cedar River Side, praised the work Shafie is doing, affirming his commitment to the community. “Yussuf is there for us anytime, whether it’s midnight or snowing,” she said. “Let’s all work with Yussuf and the Alliance Wellness Center and take care of our children.”
Mohamed Ahmed, another alumnus, offered a sobering reality check, stating, “If you continue your addiction, you know that you only have two options: you’re either going to die from it or you’re going to spend the rest of your life in jail.” His gratitude towards the staff of the Alliance Wellness Center was palpable, as he thanked everyone, from counselors to support staff, for their unwavering support during his recovery.
As the event drew to a close, the messages of hope and community support resonated deeply among attendees. Shafie reiterated the commitment of the Alliance Wellness Center to foster understanding and compassion, emphasizing that it is through collective efforts that individuals can reclaim their lives from the grips of addiction.
In a world where stigma often silences those in need, the gathering at Alliance Wellness Center served as a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, and together, a compassionate community can break the chains of shame surrounding addiction.
