The Disturbing Story Of Leonard Modise, Is My Story, It Could Be Yours Next.

“As someone who has been in addiction recovery for the past 4 years, I know a bit about how trauma affects addiction and can attest to the fact that any person who has encountered a traumatic experience is susceptible to addictive behaviour.” writes Gugulethu ‘GK” Khoza

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Leonard Modise spiralled into drug use, allegedly after witnessing his friend commit suicide.

I cannot imagine how traumatic it must be to witness someone you love take their own life. I can’t possibly imagine how it is like having to go through the intense feelings of shock, pain, guilt and denial. And due to the overbearing nature of these dark feelings, you may resort to using substances in order to escape trauma, which inevitably may result in spiralling towards a self-destruction path of addiction.

The top two images  above have been trending on social media since recently and the image on the left portrays a handsome young man in a suit who appears to be accepting an award. In the opposing image, judging by what looks like preparing DRUG paraphernalia in shabby clothing, one is likely to conclude that he may be homeless and/or possibly a drug user.

At first glance, these two photographs appear to be images of two totally different people, on close inspection, it is the same person. The young man’s name is Leonard Modise from Botswana, a former Karate champion who after having witnessed his friend commit suicide, suffered a severe mental illness which lead to an addiction to DRUGS.

Many people on social media have expressed ill-informed opinions, whereas some have gone as far as publicly concluding that the cause of his debilitating state is purely a result of poor life decisions and witchcraft. It is incredibly sad how we have created a culture that shames and blames people for self-harm, instead of focusing our energies on the causes of the damaging behaviour. And despite all the scientific evidence which links trauma (amongst other causes) to substance abuse, the (black) society still firmly holds a belief that addiction and mental disorders are a result of witchcraft and immorality, which is far from the truth.

What most people are not aware of is that a traumatic event affects brain chemistry. This evokes an overwhelming emotional response that is unbearably painful, leading some people to substance abuse as an escape route. As someone who has been in addiction recovery for the past 4 years, I know a bit about how trauma affects addiction and can attest to the fact that any person who has encountered a traumatic experience is susceptible to addictive behaviour.

Going through some of the comments on these trending posts about Modise, I came to a realisation that many people, in one way or another, are impacted by addiction. Many commented with unsettling stories about how they have lost a friend or family member to addiction and these heart-wrenching revelations affirm that addiction has indeed become an epidemic in our country.

Instead of passing harsh judgements and degrading labels to DRUG addicts, we should begin to actively take a stand against it and initiate collective intervention programmes in our communities as a way to extend a helping hand to the sufferers of addiction and mental disorders.

At this point, we all need to assume social responsibility and begin to do the fundamentals essential in helping sufferers of mental illnesses and addiction to overcome their struggles. We need to hold our government accountable and demand that they build medical and rehabilitation facilities. We also need government-sponsored socio-economic development programmes which are to provide recovering addicts with support and tools for managing relationships, money, triggers etc., post-rehabilitation.

Leonard Modise’s heart-breaking story strongly resonates with mine, as evidently shown in the two pictures above. The image on the left is me when I was still heavily addicted to crystal meth and mandrax after having downgraded from cat and cocaine. It took some serious effort and full commitment on my part to eventually overcome my addictions and become the man on the image on the right.

But there is absolutely no way I would have overcome the struggles of addiction alone. It is through tremendous support from family and the help I received at Empilweni Rehab Center that I eventually managed to permanently kick the habit. it’s diligent application of recovery principles learnt during treatment that I get to sustain my sobriety. These therapeutic addiction based articles I write, get me to teach others the invaluable lessons I’ve learned during my active addiction days and in recovery. I am truly proud of my work and how it has helped many addicts to recover, however, I believe that the only way significant change will occur, is if we all unite for a common cause to cure our society of addiction and mental illnesses.

Gugulethu ‘GK’ Khoza is recovering addict who has turned his life around and will regularly share his experiences to inspire and help young men recover from addiction. More of his stories to follow. 

About Rewo Banele

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Leading communities in building community funded and owned enterprises. 2023 Est. Township Aquaponics Farm, Meat Processing Facility & Retail Business. Entrepreneur and Author of NOMAYINI: The Mentality You Need Before Starting A Business