Drug addiction took 10 years of my life, left me smelling at work — Man narrates

Abraham, a former drug addict, has described how his substance dependence cost him 10 years of his life and led to the loss of his job, strained family relationships, and physical ailments. On NarcoTales S4 E8, Abraham explained that his addiction worsened after he lost his job at an oil company due to his strong body odor. Colleagues would open windows and spray air freshener when he entered the office.

Realizing the severity of his addiction, Abraham noted that he no longer felt the initial motivation to use drugs, but was still compelled to consume them impulsively. His addiction affected his finances, health, career, and relationships, causing his parents to eventually separate and his siblings to feel distant. Abraham said he lost nearly 10 years of his life to addiction and reflected on his physical scars, difficulty walking, and inability to engage in activities he once enjoyed.

He credited his recovery to the support of his pastor and church members, as well as professional help. Through advocacy work, Abraham now speaks to students and others about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of seeking help.