THSB: Substance Addiction: A Menace That Creates Family Dysfunction.

FH Walk with Me Against Stigma Campaign: Celebrating Our 4th Year of Impact

The Human Story Book (THSB)

It is with great pleasure that *A VOICE TO BE HEARD LTD.* presents you - The Human Story Book; a profound, real-time learning experience like no other.

Let us welcome you to step into a space where you don’t just read a book, but you *listen* to one. Here, the *"books"* are people with lived experiences of substance addiction and incarceration.

In a safe, interactive setting, they share their deeply personal stories and the pain, the turning point, and the strength of recovery. You will have the rare opportunity to ask questions and engage meaningfully, creating a human connection that leaves an unforgettable impact.

If you’ve ever wondered how addiction takes hold, or how recovery is even possible. This is your moment to listen, learn, and grow. Come with curiosity, leave with compassion.

The Flow

It is like when you go down to a library to borrow a book to read; only to know it is a human library where the book is a human.

You register to a borrow the book - but here you sit at a book station with (human book in person with his/her story a life challenging moment that led to addiction and incarceration) – and it is in real-time interactive session listening to the (like you reading a book) person’s story. It is an interactive session that you are allowed to ask the person “here and now” on certain compelling question you want to know ask to know more.

Date: Saturday 28 June 2025

Registration begins at: 9.30 am

Time: 10 am - 1 pm

Venue: Canberra Community Club (Multi-Purpose Hall)

2 Sembawang Crescent, #01-01 (757632)

Author's profile:

Alif Harith

My journey into drug addiction began at the age of 13 when I experimented with ‘thinner’ during school. Peer influence led me to marijuana at 16, and by my late 20s, I was addicted to heroin. What started as curiosity quickly became a long, dark path of dependence. I spent over two decades hooked on heroin and was incarcerated three times. I lost time, health, trust, and many important moments with loved ones. I depended heavily on drugs to cope with emotions and reality. Relationships were built around addiction, enabling behavior, and the constant cycle of use and regret.

Zuraini Abdullah

I started using drugs at 14. At first, it was curiosity—but deep down, I was trying to fill a void. I grew up in a home where attention was scarce, love felt distant, and I was often the target of my mother’s anger when she was stressed or depressed. I learned to survive by keeping quiet, pleasing others, and hiding my pain. Over time, I lost my own identity trying to earn love and avoid conflict. That’s where the co-dependency began—constantly needing approval, feeling responsible for everyone’s emotions, and abandoning myself in the process. Drugs became my only relief.

Lezan Ariffin

Upon his release from prison in 2020, Lezan faced a flood of uncertainties. Enrolled in a seven-month Community-Based Programme under the Work Release Scheme, he grappled with pressing concerns, securing a place to live, sustaining employment as a car polisher, and earning enough to survive. Perhaps the deepest anxiety was whether his family would accept him again, given his repeated incarcerations. Adding to the weight of reintegration was his growing awareness of age and its toll on his health and wellbeing. Life after prison was daunting, and starting over seemed like an uphill battle.

IMPORTANT:

Upon registration for the THSB event, please keep in mind that light refreshments will be prepared for all participants. To help us manage resources and avoid waste, we kindly ask that you attend as planned. If something unexpected comes up, just let us know in advance. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you there!