MUSCAT, JUNE 10
An inspiring evening recently featured stories of falling into addictions and the power of family support while unravelling the complex dynamics of the path to recovery and sustaining it.
The programme titled 'Rebirth' had the theme stating, 'Together, let's break the silence and build a healthier community.' This year, Not Alone Stories collaborated with Positive Vision Association and was sponsored by Sohar International.
The Positive Vision Association was founded in 2025 to raise awareness about addiction, support prevention efforts, reduce stigma and provide care for affected individuals.
The evening explored the theme of rebirth through powerful, real-life stories of resilience, recovery and hope. The event featured courageous individuals who had overcome substance misuse, a family member shared the impact of a loved one’s recovery journey, and a mental health professional who facilitates support groups and provides guidance to individuals in recovery shared expertise.
They shed light on the realities of addiction, the importance of support systems, and the transformative power of healing and second chances.
Founder of the Not Alone Campaign, HH Sayyidah Basma al Said, noted that many a time people only consider the person who is going through addiction and do not realise what the family members and individuals around the person are going through. The situation could even ignite anger, and they tend to actually leave the person because they don't know what to do.
Speaking to the Observer, she said, "We are collaborating with another organisation, and we are showcasing the mental health side of it. A lot of people may not be aware, but addiction actually has a lot to do with mental and physical health. While going through a recovery path, they can weaken at any point, and when they weaken, they automatically feel like they need to go back, but because there was support between their family and the group support, there were a lot of things that told them not to go back."
She pointed out that some people think they have done the needful and that they are fine, but they need to check in, even if it is once a month or something similar.
The speaker shared how quickly his life changed once he committed to recovery. After remaining clean for about a year and a half, he decided not to let his past define him and instead focused on building something meaningful. The speakers also highlighted the value of conversation, understanding and recognising that everyone carries a unique journey that contributes to who they become.
The speakers had faced addiction and significant personal struggles but had managed to transform their lives. The audience was reminded that there is always hope, often described as “the light at the end of the tunnel".
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