What begins as curiosity, peer pressure or a desire to fit in often ends in regret, broken families and prison walls.
That was the sobering message delivered by convicted inmates from Chinhoyi Prison who stood before a packed congregation at an Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe church service and recounted the painful journeys that led them from drug abuse to incarceration.
For many of the inmates, the realization that they had taken a wrong path came too late, after years of addiction, damaged relationships and criminal activities that eventually landed them behind bars.
Speaking openly about their experiences, the inmates revealed how they first experimented with drugs believing it was harmless fun.
Some said they wanted acceptance from friends, while others were searching for an escape from personal challenges.
However, what started as occasional use soon spiraled into dependency.
“The day I stole from my own family to feed my addiction was the day I knew something was seriously wrong,” one inmate told the congregation.
Another recalled how drugs clouded his judgment until crime became a normal part of life.
“I lost respect for myself. I stopped caring about my future. Looking back now, I realise I was slowly destroying my own life.”
The testimonies were part of an outreach programme held on May 31, 2026, organized by Chinhoyi Remand Prison Chaplain Correctional Officer Grade One Phebion Pfende in partnership with Pastor Shingai Magama of the AFM in Zimbabwe Chinhoyi assembly.
Two female inmates also shared their stories, emphasizing that drug and substance abuse is not limited to men and boys.
One woman described how addiction cost her employment opportunities, friendships and family trust.
“I thought I was in control, but the drugs were controlling me. When I finally realized it, I had already lost so much,” she said.
The emotional testimonies left many church members visibly moved. Parents listened attentively as inmates described the heartbreak they caused their families, while young people sat in silence absorbing lessons learned the hard way.
For several inmates, prison became the place where they finally confronted the consequences of their choices.
Away from the streets and harmful influences, they had time to reflect on how addiction had robbed them of opportunities and led them into criminal behavior.
Many expressed remorse and urged young people not to repeat their mistakes.
“If you are still free today, choose a different path. Don’t wait until you are sitting in a prison cell to realize what drugs have done to your life,” one inmate warned.
Pastor Shingai Magama praised the correctional service for bringing the programme to the church, saying the testimonies offered a powerful lesson on the devastating impact of drug abuse.
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He noted that rehabilitation requires compassion, guidance and spiritual support rather than judgment alone.
“The stories we heard today show that every bad decision has consequences, but they also remind us that people can change when given support and an opportunity to rebuild their lives,” he said.
The service concluded with church elders and congregants praying alongside the inmates, creating a powerful moment of reflection, forgiveness and hope.
As Zimbabwe continues to battle rising cases of drug and substance abuse among youths, the testimonies served as a stark reminder that behind every addiction story is a life that once held promise and a lesson for those who still have time to choose a different future.