Beating addiction to rebuild lives

Hyderabad: Addiction is often seen as a dead-end, but for these young men, it became a turning point—a chance to rewrite their futures. Their journeys from the depths of alcohol addiction to thriving in their careers are examples of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of second chances.
Soaring Beyond Limits
Arjun* always dreamt of flying high, both literally and figuratively. But by the time he was 21, his life had spiralled out of control due to a destructive relationship with alcohol. A talented engineering student, he began drinking to cope with academic pressure and personal setbacks. What started as "social drinking" turned into a daily routine, leaving him on the brink of losing everything.
In 2019, his family intervened and persuaded him to enter a rehabilitation centre in Hyderabad. It wasn't easy. "I hated everyone for sending me there, but somewhere deep down, I knew I needed help," Arjun recalls. The three-month programme wasn't just about detoxing—it involved rebuilding his self-esteem and finding his purpose.
"I remember one counsellor asking me to list five things I wanted to achieve in life. Becoming a pilot was number one, and she said, ‘Then that's your reason to fight,'" he says. Arjun left the rehab with a renewed focus. He enrolled in a pilot training programme, funded by savings his family had kept aside for his education. Last month, Arjun completed his first commercial flight as a co-pilot for a leading airline.
"I never imagined I would be here. Addiction isn't a life sentence—you can come back stronger," 28-year-old proudly shares.
Coding a New Future
For Kabir*, it was peer pressure that pushed him to pick up that first glass of whiskey. Working in the fast-paced world of tech, he found drinking to be the easiest way to "fit in" and unwind after long workdays. By the time he turned 24, Kabir had developed a dependency that not only impacted his health but also threatened his career.
"Alcohol became my escape. But in the process, I was escaping from myself," he shares. After missing several deadlines and receiving a warning from his employer, Kabir knew it was time to take control. With the help of his older brother, he joined a rehabilitation centre in Hyderabad in early 2020.
In rehab, Kabir rediscovered his love for coding, thanks to a fellow resident who shared his passion for technology. "We would work on small coding challenges during our free time. It made me believe I could still make something of my life," he says.
Post-rehab, Kabir found a job with a fresh perspective. He sought therapy and joined Alcoholics Anonymous, which he credits for keeping him grounded. Today, Kabir is a team lead at a multinational software firm and actively mentors others battling addiction.
Anchored in Duty
Rohan's* life had always been defined by discipline—until alcohol derailed his promising future. Growing up in a family with a legacy of serving in the armed forces, Rohan had been an exemplary student and athlete. He joined the Merchant Navy at 21, but the long months at sea, combined with peer influence, led to a dangerous drinking habit.
"Initially, it was just a way to pass time and socialise. But soon, it became a dependency," Rohan shares. His drinking escalated to the point where he lost a key opportunity to rise in rank, leaving him ashamed and uncertain about his future.
When his father confronted him after an embarrassing episode at a family gathering, Rohan decided to seek help. He entered a rigorous rehabilitation programme in Hyderabad where his physical training and mental resilience were put to the test.
"The toughest part was facing myself. Rehab wasn't just about quitting alcohol—it was about rediscovering who I was without it," he says. After rehab, Rohan decided to take his life in a new direction. He applied for a position in the Merchant Navy again, leveraging his past experiences and the fitness he rebuilt during rehab.
After months of rigorous preparation and training, Rohan was selected. "I passed all fitness tests. I got selected after giving up alcohol completely. I was clean for two years when I applied again for the Navy," he adds.
"When I put on my uniform, I feel like I've earned back my honour. This is my way of making amends and proving that no matter how far you fall, you can rise again," he says.
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"Relapse rates for alcohol addiction range from 40% to 60% within the first year of recovery. To combat this, we ensure continuous aftercare, including at least six months of counselling and regular Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, which have proven to reduce relapse significantly," explains Praveen Kearl, a counsellor at a rehabilitation centre in Hyderabad and a coordinator for Alcoholics Anonymous in the city. "Also, recovery isn't just about quitting alcohol—it's about mentally preparing for a life that leaves no space for relapse. For these young men, their careers have become their purpose, and they're fully aware of the damage addiction caused. By addressing the underlying causes of their addiction and providing a supportive environment, their chances of maintaining sobriety are much higher," he adds.