Reintegrating a person with addiction back into society is a very challenging task. In public clinics, only about 3 to 5% of people who complete a medical treatment program manage to stay away from their harmful habits for a year. This means alternative solutions are needed. Sergey Matevosyan, president and founder of the NEW LIFE USA Center, shared his insights on overcoming the urge for “happiness through highs” and radically changing one’s life
The earlier a person with addictions acknowledges their problem, the easier their treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration will be. After completing a treatment program at a clinic, where medication is used to eliminate dependency, addicts or alcoholics often make big plans for the future. However, these dreams frequently remain just dreams. Such treatment requires minimal effort, and when they re-enter the real world, they encounter the same issues and often seek solace again in drugs or alcohol.
The Worst Has Already Happened
Patients need to be prepared from the beginning for the challenging path of recovery, which requires willpower. For instance, NEW LIFE USA offers a special program that helps individuals return to society as full-fledged people by addressing all aspects of life. According to Sergey Matevosyan, the center’s president, the statement that “former addicts or alcoholics do not exist” is an invention of amateurs. “This is a favorite phrase of many doctors because it’s their business, their livelihood.” Breaking free from harmful habits permanently is possible.
However, people hesitate to seek help at centers, fearing the unknown: “What will happen to me there? How will they treat me?” Unfortunately, with addiction, the worst has already happened, and ignoring specialists only accelerates the journey towards the end of life. To understand what lies ahead, one must not fear taking the first step and booking a consultation. “The journey is conquered by the one who starts walking.”
“Scared of What Awaits”
At NEW LIFE USA, they assure patients that nothing is hidden from them. “We conduct an interview, understand their motivation, and explain every little detail of our program so they know where they are going,” says Sergey Matevosyan. “We lay everything on the table; there’s nothing hidden. We don’t deceive people, and because our center is free, we’re honest about everything. The person asks questions, and if they feel this program is right for them, we accept them for 20 months.”
“The first thing we instill in our participants from the start is responsibility. Addicts fear responsibility like the devil fears holy water,” says the center’s founder. “They live self-centered lives, believing that everyone owes them something.”
How Work Is Structured at the Center
According to the Center’s staff, newcomers receive a full briefing and a schedule before beginning rehabilitation, but challenges often arise in practice. “When we tell them, for example, that wake-up time is at 7 a.m., addicts agree to everything,” recalls Matevosyan. “But when they have to wake up the next morning and follow the schedule, that’s when the moment of truth comes. Some say they’d rather go back to the streets than follow the rules.” This is when they’re taught that responsibility is the most important value at the Center. In the first two months, patients are responsible for themselves and for following their mentor’s instructions. After two months, they themselves become mentors to others. The “senior-junior” system works here, meaning that after two months, a former newcomer starts helping someone else. They use the skills they’ve learned over the two months to support others. This breaks the selfish lifestyle of “I’m here for rehabilitation, I have 20 months ahead: two as a junior, and 18 as a senior. How many people do I need to help get back on their feet!” This destroys selfishness within them.
Skills That Will Be Useful in the Future
Everyone at the Center has responsibilities. For example, they may feed the cows in the morning and evening, lead them to the pasture, and bring them back. They might work in the garden, garage, or do welding and other tasks. Patients learn how to repair equipment, operate it, plow, sow, and more. Most importantly, they learn to interact, and the level of responsibility constantly increases. “This is my responsibility for the part of the work entrusted to me. We all carry our responsibilities for everyone. If I don’t do my part, it will affect everyone else. If I cook poorly, I’ll be told,” explains the staff.
Thus, coming from sheltered conditions, those undergoing rehabilitation acquire both life and work skills. “We teach them the most important principle — not to fear any challenges that life may throw at them,” summarizes Sergey Matevosyan. “Don’t fear work; be creative, offer constructive solutions. Think with your head, not just mechanically do things. We strive to practically live by God’s Word. If you want to have friends, be friendly. You have no enemies here, because the enemy lives within you, not around you.”
You Can Change Your Mind and Participate in Slow Self-Destruction
Of course, an addict may decide not to fight their addiction. But families must firmly insist that it’s better to stay at the Center and not support the alcoholic or addict’s life outside the facility.
“You stop participating in their slow self-destruction and insanity and set conditions: ‘Either you go and change your life through this revolutionary program, or go your own way,’” says Matevosyan. “And this is the hardest part for parents, especially for religious parents.”
NOTE: NEW LIFE USA is a non-profit organization that offers a free rehabilitation program for those with addictions (mainly focusing on drug addiction). The ministry is international and non-denominational. The mission of “New Life” is to fight to eliminate drug addiction, serve people in need, and expand the ministry to give more people the opportunity to start a new life through free rehabilitation centers in Missouri and Nevada.
