JOHOR BARU: At the age of 19, R. Applasamy started selling drugs on the streets, before taking the substance himself not long after.
At the age of 23, he was caught for drug abuse for the first time and was put behind bars for six months.
Just two days after being freed from prison, he went back to his old habit and was sent to prison again. He was jailed up to seven times in total.
“I spent most of my youth going in and out of prison or being hooked on drugs. At that point, I don’t see a need to change my ways.
“In 2008, I found out I was HIV positive when I was in prison. That made me feel like there was no point in me trying to put my life back together.
“I was not even hopeful to live for another day back then but that has all changed,” he said when met at the Johor Baru Shechinah Association’s halfway house in Jalan Abdul Samad.
It has been three years since Applasamy, who is now 43, kicked his addiction.
“I was in a very bad condition three years ago. I was literally a walking skeleton. I was rushed to hospital and almost died.
“That was when I was introduced to a volunteer from the halfway house who took me in and helped me rebuild my life.
“The journey was not easy, especially when I have been an addict for more than half of my life. But slowly, I regained my strength and was finally able to think about the future.
“The volunteers also helped me get a job. I am now working as a security officer. I have also reconnected with my family,” said Applasamy, who is determined to stay sober.
Applasamy is among dozens who got a second chance in life through the halfway house - a transit centre that aims to provide shelter, food, support and counselling to former drug addicts, alcoholics and convicts as well as the homeless.
Also given a second lease on life is 46-year-old S. Sugunesan, who used to be an alcoholic.
“I used to have a stable job as a factory supervisor, had a family and three children.
“However, my life was destroyed when I went overboard with my drinking. I became violent and landed myself in prison many times for causing hurt.
“I am determined to change and get my life together. It has been two years since I started my recovery. I really hope that someday, I’ll be able to have a stable job and live with my family,” he said.
Johor Baru Shechinah Association president James Issachar (pic) said the halfway house has had about 180 residents since it started operating eight years ago.
“Ideally, we want a resident to stay between three and six months as they get their lives together and get a job with our assistance.
“However, in some cases, the resident stay here longer as they needed more time.
“Some also expressed fear of going back to their old habits once they go out and opted to remain here longer.
“We want them to be given a second chance in life and be reminded that there is a way out,” he said.
He noted that, however, at least half of the residents went back to their old habits.
“It is heartbreaking to see them throwing their lives away after putting in so much effort to change.
“But that is the way it is and we will let them go. If they come back, we will help them again with the condition that they stop using (alcohol or drugs),” he said.
Fortunately, there are also many success stories.
“There are those who are able to live independently and have managed to get jobs. Some are also back with their families. We are extremely proud of them,” James added.
