Ep 114: Confessions of a former opium addict & secret society member | Alvin Chiong (ex-convict, Triad Trail tour guide & chef)

Alvin Chiong's father was an opium addict.


And as for Alvin:


Age 7: Alvin's mother abandoned the family

Age 9: Started sniffing glue & joined the secret society
to avoid being bullied

Age 14: Left school to follow his leader

Age 18: Became hooked on heroin & couldn't hold down a
job.



Things came to a head in Thailand, where Alvin realised he needed
to change his life around.


But opium addiction, while a choice, is not so easy to kick.


And it took many, many halfway houses & attempts before Alvin
came clean, turned his life around (after prison!!) and became
the person he is today: giving back to society, helping his
former brothers find their feet & holding down jobs as a chef
as tour guide at Triad Trails.


Alvin's story, like Notle Chew's story in STIMY Episode 102, is
an unusual STIMY story, but one that I really want to have
shared.


Because there is a lesson to be learned from everyone's life
journey.


And the biggest takeaway is this: It's all about mindset &
attitude.


If we insist on blaming the world & everyone else in it for
our troubles, no matter how 'justified', then you will continue
to be held back.


Now Alvin tells his story best, so are you ready?


Let's go!





Highlights:


2:53 Dysfunctional family

4:54 Joining the secret society

10:34 Fighting

12:57 Thailand

14:56 The "price" for leaving the secret society gang

19:04 Being friends with brothers

20:35 Being in prison

23:51 Safeguards to avoid temptation

26:17 Going back to prison to help

30:24 God

31:56 Common misconceptions about drug addicts

32:49 The secret to change

35:13 Knowing when a convict is telling you the truth

38:55 Are Singaporean laws too harsh?

41:41 Common struggles for members of the secret society

43:02 Spiritual journey & finding God

46:43 What Alvin is grateful for this year






Show notes: https://www.sothisismywhy.com/114 





 Weekly STIMY Newsletter that deconstructs how you build a
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