Generation Sober: When landing that dream job means leaving the party behind

As recent graduates in Kenya transition from the vibrant campus life to the professional world, a notable trend towards sobriety is emerging. This shift is gaining momentum, with statistics showing that 15 percent of young adults in Kenya are choosing to abstain from alcohol and drugs post-graduation.

The 2023 report on substance use among Kenyan youth highlights that while 70 percent of university students have tried alcohol, a growing number are embracing sobriety as they enter the workforce. This trend reflects a broader societal movement towards healthier lifestyles and mental well-being. The story of sobriety after campus is not just about abstaining from substances; it’s about reclaiming control, fostering resilience, and building a supportive community.

This narrative explores the motivations, challenges, and triumphs of those who have chosen this path, offering a glimpse into a transformative journey that is reshaping the future of Kenya’s youth.

Albert Otieno Odhiambo, 26 is a business analyst at Pitch Investors Company

My high life started in 2018 when I got into a fun but risky lifestyle on campus. "Do whatever you want," they told me as a freshman. Those words, coupled with abundant free time and new friendships, led me down a path I hadn't anticipated. Seven units left me with too much leisure time, and soon I found myself caught in a cycle of drinking, smoking, and street fights. Some nights ended in police cells, creating secrets I couldn't share with my parents.

My turning point for me was meeting her. My girlfriend. We got into a relationship, and she got pregnant. The responsibility of impending fatherhood forced me to confront my choices. "I don't want our child living the life you're living," she said. Those words became my wake-up call. The transition wasn't easy, but my family's support and my daughter's future kept me focused.

Today, I navigate social gatherings with newfound discipline, choosing family outings over old habits. Being sober has helped me focus on my career. It has also helped me grow my family and become a better person.

Vanessa Wanjiru Wangari, 25, is a storekeeping manager at Hill Park Hotel in Mombasa

At 25, I now manage the storeroom at Hill Park Hotel in Mombasa, but my journey began differently. The Covid-19 pandemic hit during my time at KIPs College in 2020, marking the start of my descent into substance use. What began with casual drinks evolved into something darker – nights spent trading dignity for drugs, seducing strangers for drinks in expensive clubs.

Graduation in 2021 brought isolation and clarity. Without my party friends, reality set in. Job opportunities slipped through my fingers as I showed up high or suffering from a hangover. Then came the news that shattered my world – a former party friend had died from drug use. That became my turning point.

The path to recovery tested every fiber of my being. Quitting weed came first, followed by alcohol. My emotions ran wild – hallucinations, tears, and instability became daily battles. My mother's threat of rehab loomed, but my aunt's unwavering support provided structure. Church visits and weekend activities filled the void until I secured my first job in 2022.

Emmanuel Kamau, 35, is a trained chef and a certified substance abuse counselor

I juggle roles as a chef and certified substance abuse counselor, but my relationship with substances began in high school. Being from Eastlands in a private school sparked curiosity about drugs. Marijuana came first, then cigarettes for the rush, and finally alcohol – the substance I'd sworn to avoid after watching my father struggle with it.

College deepened my addiction. Lunch breaks became drinking sessions with older students wielding fake IDs. Academic failure followed, leading to repeated semesters and eventually, a complete breakdown of my chef dreams. By 2014, alcohol had replaced my blood, or so it felt. Convulsions became my daily reminder of dependency.

My grandmother's death in 2019 pushed me over the edge until my mother's simple question changed everything: "Would your grandmother be proud?" The answer led me to Teen Challenge rehab in Kiambu. Twelve months of intensive recovery taught me to surrender to a higher power and find purpose in helping others avoid my mistakes.

Today, I run my own catering business and counsel others fighting addiction. The journey taught me that sobriety isn't just about quitting substances – it's about rebuilding relationships, setting boundaries, and managing triggers. My family healed alongside me through counseling, proving that recovery touches everyone around us.

Faith Machocho, 26, is pursuing Maritime, Transport and logistics at Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa

Though I am not yet there, I am on the journey to recovery. As a 26-year-old student at Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa, where I study Maritime, Transport, and Logistics, my story reflects the struggles many of us face with substance use during our campus years.

My journey with substances began in 2023 when I joined campus. The freedom was intoxicating – so different from the structured environment of home and high school where parents and guardians watched our every move. I formed friendships with my neighbors, initially to support each other in our studies. Our bond grew stronger over time, and through these new friends, I was introduced to a different lifestyle.

At first, I resisted when they told me they used drugs. But curiosity got the better of me. I made a private decision to experiment, trying alcohol and smoking weed without even my friends knowing. I kept this part of my life hidden, exploring these substances in my own space and time.

Now, I maintain two separate lives. People who know me would be shocked to learn about my substance use. They see me as sensible and would struggle to believe how I've changed or wonder about who influenced me. I'm an adult though, and I understand my choices. I'm not an addict – I only use substances when I want to heighten my experience. When I'm home and feel the urge to smoke or drink, I find a private space, maybe a dark room where I won't be found.

But I see a different future ahead. I have a passion for modeling that could transform my life. This career path would require me to stop smoking and drinking alcohol. The modeling industry has strict restrictions on substance use, especially for international travel. I want to build a positive reputation and be known for good things.

I believe starting work after campus will bring financial responsibilities that will naturally keep me from spending money on alcohol. I understand the obligations that come with employment and post-campus life. For now, I'm experiencing my youth, but I'm careful not to let it become an addiction.

Looking back, the freedom of campus life opened doors I hadn't expected to walk through. I see a path to change. My journey to recovery isn't complete, but recognising the need for change is my first step toward breaking free from campus substance use.

Side bar:

How support groups are reshaping youth recovery in Kenya

Jane Nkatha Mwenda is a NACADA Trained Recovery Coach and a Professional Member of International Society of Substance Use Professionals ISSUP -KENYA & Global.

As a NACADA-trained Recovery Coach and Professional Member of ISSUP-Kenya & Global, I've witnessed the transformative power of self-help support groups in recovery journeys. These groups create vital communities where individuals find both accountability and understanding. Members gain strength from sharing their stories and challenges while supporting others on similar paths.

Recent data paints a concerning picture of substance abuse among Kenyan youth. The 2022 NACADA Status Report shows that 20% of young people aged 15-24 have experienced substance abuse. Today's youth face mounting pressures from peers and social media, often leading to substance experimentation when healthy coping mechanisms are absent.

At Graceful Youth Recovery Centre, we've created safe spaces for young people to speak openly about these challenges. Our work spans secondary schools and universities, where we focus on mentorship and life-skills training. These programs equip youth with tools for better decision-making and resilience.

Early intervention makes a crucial difference. Our community-based approach engages schools to identify at-risk students early. We partner with churches and youth centers to provide mentorship opportunities. Through these partnerships, we create environments that foster positive peer influence and ensure access to vital support resources.

We recently launched "Silent Conversations with Miss Nkatha" on YouTube to extend our reach. This channel features recovery stories and expert discussions about treatment and prevention. These personal narratives show that recovery is possible and help break the stigma around seeking help.

To those considering sobriety: Don't let fear hold you back. Seeking help might feel daunting, but it's your first step toward a transformed life. Support is available, and you're not alone on this journey. The path to recovery may seem uncertain, but the freedom waiting on the other side makes every step worthwhile.

Through our programs and support networks, we're proving that sustainable recovery is possible when communities come together. Each success story strengthens our belief that with proper support, young people can overcome substance abuse and build healthier futures.

5 ways you can stop addiction now

1.   Acknowledge the problem: The first step in breaking free from substance use is to admit that there is a problem. Reflect on your usage patterns and consider whether your drug use is affecting your daily life, relationships, or responsibilities. If you find yourself answering "yes" to questions about dependency or negative consequences, it's crucial to recognise that help is needed.

2.   Seek professional help: Consulting with a healthcare professional or a specialist in substance use can provide tailored support and guidance. They can assist in creating a personalized plan for recovery, which may include detoxification, counseling, and medication management to address withdrawal symptoms and underlying mental health issues.

3.   Identify triggers: Understanding what prompts your substance use is vital for recovery. Keep a diary to track when and where you use substances, as well as the emotions and situations that lead to cravings. This awareness will help you avoid specific environments or people that encourage drug use, allowing you to develop healthier coping strategies.

4.   Set realistic goals: Establishing clear, achievable goals for your recovery can enhance motivation and provide direction. Break these goals into short-term (e.g., attending therapy sessions) and long-term objectives (e.g., maintaining sobriety for several months). Writing down these goals can reinforce your commitment to change.

5.   Build a support network: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage your sobriety. This may involve distancing yourself from friends who use drugs and seeking out peer support groups, where you can connect with others facing similar challenges. Engaging in community activities or hobbies can also help fill your time with positive experiences. 

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