Meet the Recovered: Real Stories from Nyumba Yetu

In every corner of Kenya, behind the statistics and headlines about addiction, are real people who have struggled, fallen, and risen again. At Nyumba Yetu, our mission is not just to treat addiction—it is to tell the human stories behind recovery, and to prove that healing is not only possible, but powerful.

The Journey from Addiction to Hope

James, 42, from Kisumu, once found himself lost in the grip of chang’aa and spirits sold in sachets. “I was drinking from morning to evening,” he recalls. “Even when I was broke, I’d borrow money just to get a drink.” James’ turning point came after a near-fatal case of alcohol poisoning—a situation not uncommon in Kenya due to the circulation of illicit brews contaminated with methanol or other deadly substances (The Dangers of Fentanyl and Methanol in Illicit Alcohol).

Thanks to the outreach team at Nyumba Yetu and the support of his local church group, James found a program that worked for him—combining counselling, community sports, and daily support. Today, he runs a small bodaboda business and mentors younger men in his neighbourhood.

Faith, Family, and Football

Faith-based recovery is a significant pathway for many. Mary, a recovering alcoholic from Nairobi’s Kayole estate, says the turning point was her church-based support group. “I needed a space where I wasn’t judged,” she shares. Faith and family support systems are vital in restoring hope, especially for women who often face double stigma for substance use.

At Nyumba Yetu, we integrate holistic approaches that include spiritual counselling, group therapy, and physical activities like football. As shared in our article on Sports and Sobriety, men are increasingly finding strength and support through community matches and tournaments that replace time once spent drinking.

Real Talk, Real Recovery

Stigma is one of the biggest barriers to seeking help. Many recovering individuals speak of being treated as outcasts—by family, friends, and even employers. As highlighted in our piece on Recovery Myths in Kenyan Communities, there’s a critical need to educate society that addiction is not a moral failure, but a treatable condition.

Peter, who now volunteers at Nyumba Yetu, says: “Recovery isn’t just stopping drinking. It’s rebuilding relationships, finding your self-worth, and believing in your future again.”

Why These Stories Matter

Kenya’s youth are particularly vulnerable. A 2022 NACADA report showed alarming rates of alcohol and drug abuse among youth aged 15–24. Without accessible, relatable stories, many assume that recovery is for “others.” But real stories, from local people in familiar neighbourhoods, offer something more valuable than stats: hope.

Nyumba Yetu aims to amplify these voices through blog posts, testimonial videos, and live forums. Each story helps reduce stigma and increase awareness—because knowing someone who overcame addiction can often inspire someone else to seek help.