KUALA LUMPUR – In her yearning to look slim like her colleagues, Nora (not her real name) turned to drugs and eventually became addicted.
The 36-year-old told Bernama that her heaviest weight was 50kg and never had any weight problems.
I have tried to go on a diet, but failed. Furthermore, I am always surrounded by colleagues who are slim and like to dress up.
Unable to take the peer pressure anymore, Nora said that she then turned to drugs with the sole intention of losing weight.
However, it wasn’t long until she became a full-blown addict. To make matters worse, her ex-husband, who is also a drug addict, ensured that she had a steady supply of drugs.
Hard lesson learnt
Nora, who has been living at the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) in Dengkil for 15 months, said that she hopes other women will learn from her mistakes.
“I really regret it. I chose to harm myself. I lost my job and my life became a mess. I didn’t get to see my children grow up right in front of my eyes.
Fortunately, Nora’s family members, including her two daughters, have fully embraced her with open arms despite her addiction.
Another woman named Flora (also not her real name), said that she turned to drugs to escape the stress of a strict upbringing.
I come from a very strict family, and when I got married I had a jealous husband. I have been living under restricted movement.
“So, after the divorce, I live freely and do everything I want. I started taking ecstasy pills when I was 34 at nightclubs every weekend,” she said.
Flora added that she stopped taking drugs for three years but suffered a relapse, leading to her arrest by the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).
“But I’m grateful that my family, including my three children, continue to support me and encourage me to change into a better person,” she said.
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Cover image via Bernama
Editor: Sarah Yeoh