Thou Shalt Not Regret the Decision to Change

By: Sunday Kapesi

January 11, 2025

“Making a big life change is scary, but know what’s scarier? Regret.” – Unknown

CHANGE is daunting, especially when it means facing your deepest struggles. As an addiction recovery and mental health advocate, I’ve seen how resistant we addicts and alcoholics can be to change—whether it’s seeking help, admitting a problem, or stepping into the unknown. This resistance is natural; as humans, we cling to comfort, even if that comfort is toxic.

Personal Reflections from Sunday

I’ve lived this firsthand. In my journey through addiction and recovery, admitting I needed help meant letting go of denial, ego, and shame. It meant becoming vulnerable and honest with myself. It was not a straightforward process. Loved ones staged an intervention. I had to face my mother crushed by hearing that his son was an addict, for me to then consider the Rehab option on offer by them. Today I am appreciative that they did. That was how CHANGE started for me.

A Friendly Call

A friend of mine, let’s call Mama Mwenge (she knows herself😉), recently shared a similar story. Once an alcoholic, upon admitting to herself that she was, she made a life-altering CHANGE when she chose to leave Dar es Salaam to start anew in another region. She embraced the uncertainty of change, knowing that where she was, was not where she needed to be, therefore rebuilt her life somewhere new, and now thrives in sobriety. CHANGE worked for her, just as going to rehab worked for me.

But why is change so hard? According to the Transtheoretical Model of Change, 85% of people are stuck in pre-contemplation—they don’t even consider change. Addicts, especially, face the fear of letting go of familiar people, places, and routines, even when they’re harmful. This is why identifying triggers is the first step in recovery. Avoiding toxic associations gives you the grace to heal.

Statistics

Globally, 40-60% of addicts relapse within three years of leaving treatment (National Institute on Drug Abuse). In Africa, access to structured recovery programs remains a barrier, contributing to even higher relapse rates (WHO). However, structured change, including therapy, has a 70% success rate when paired with community support.

Actions for Change

1. Acknowledge the Problem – Admit there’s an issue, no matter how uncomfortable it feels.

2. Seek Support – Engage with professionals like therapists, psychiatrists, or support groups.

3. Create New Associations – Replace harmful environments and relationships with healthier alternatives.

Call to Action

1. Recovering Addicts: Take one step today—acknowledge your triggers.

2. The General Public: Advocate for awareness and eliminate stigma.

3. Professionals: Create accessible and empathetic interventions.

Conclusion

Change isn’t easy, but it’s possible. Patience, pressure, and support can guide even the most reluctant individuals toward a better life. Stick to what works, until what works isn’t working, then it’s time to adapt. The cost of change pales in comparison to the cost of regret.