Irfan has been using for more than fifteen years. This time, when his health collapsed, he turned himself in. He releases on 29 September 2025 — with anxiety, hope, and a job that will be waiting.
Irfan is thirty-six. The arithmetic of his life looks like this: fifteen years on drugs, several stints inside, one hospital admission so serious it forced his sister to sit on his bed and say, “If you don't go now, you won't come back at all.” So he surrendered himself to Singapore Prison Service. Six months in DRC. Currently completing another six months under the Residential Scheme. Release date: 29 September 2025.
The hardest day was the first day out at work
Irfan came to us on a transitional work arrangement. The job, he loved. The colleagues, he loved. The management, he found understanding. The social environment, however, was overwhelming. Fifteen years of using had left him with an anxiety disorder, and being in a busy cafe with customers, noise, and rhythm was, at first, almost too much.
He didn't run. He stayed. Bit by bit, the noise got smaller. Bit by bit, his nervous system began to learn that this room was safe. He still has bad days. He'll be honest with you about them. But he has more good days than he used to.
What recovery actually looks like at thirty-six
Most recovery stories you read are tidy. Irfan's isn't. He told us he has tried multiple support groups. Some of them — including ones designed for addicts — actually triggered relapses, because being surrounded by people still in the thick of it pulled him under. He's now exploring SANA. He leans on his faith. He keeps a small, careful circle.
His sister was the one who pushed him toward rehabilitation. His mother is still home, waiting. He told us his family is supportive but that emotional bonds still need rebuilding. Fifteen years of using does that to a household. The repair is slow. The repair is worth it.
Why he wants to be a good role model
At the cafe, he is surrounded by younger colleagues — some of whom are at the start of journeys he has lived a longer version of. He wants to be the older brother they can ask questions of. He wants to model what self-discipline looks like in an industry that doesn't always reward it. He wants to be the kind of man whose presence quietly reassures the younger guys that the long road is walkable.
He told us he is quietly proud of the progress he has made. He doesn't talk about it often. He holds it close. We are holding it with him.
He hopes people will see him with empathy — as someone who is trying his best, making progress, and committed to change, even if he still has areas to grow.— Matt, Founder
Soli Deo Gloria — to God alone be the glory.