Once again this year, the Somorrostro Training Center has participated in ESAN EZ, the addiction and risky behavior prevention project promoted by the Bidesari association, which has been working for more than 30 years to accompany people deprived of their liberty and support their reintegration. An initiative that, year after year, leaves a deep impression on our Basic Vocational Training students.
The activity took place over four training sessions, during which our students were able to reflect on the reasons that can lead to drug use and the consequences it can have: psychological, physical, social, and also criminal. As some of them commented, “sometimes you don’t realize that you are no longer in control, but that the drug is controlling you.”
Testimonials that leave no one indifferent
As every year, the most impactful session was the one dedicated to first-hand accounts. On this occasion, three individuals deprived of their liberty who are part of the Bidesari programs courageously shared their life experiences: how they began using legal substances, how they normalized the phrase “I’m in control,” and how, little by little, they entered into dynamics that led them to lose control and end up in prison.
One of them explained: “You never think it can happen to you… until it does. And when you want to stop, you can’t do it alone.”
Another added: “Asking for help is an act of courage. It took me too long, but thanks to Bidesari, I am now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.”
The students listened attentively and did not hesitate to ask questions. Several of their questions revolved around the difficulty of breaking away from an environment where “consumption is the norm,” or how to identify when you really need support. As they summarized afterwards: “Hearing these real stories, without filters, makes you think and see what’s behind them.”
The testimonies also showed how hard the road to recovery can be: personal damage, loss of family ties, jobs, or even relationships with one’s own children. “We had to hit rock bottom to realize that we had lost everything,” they shared.
An activity that leaves its mark
The final message was clear: don’t be afraid to ask for help. “Your parents, your teachers, whoever… today there are many resources available to help you escape that world,” insisted the three participants.
Our students greatly appreciated the experience: “Hearing this firsthand is invaluable. It makes you see what can happen and encourages you to think before getting involved in something that could ruin your life.”
Once again, ESAN EZ has proven itself to be an essential awareness-raising activity that connects emotionally, challenges, and helps our students become aware of the real risks of addiction. It is an educational initiative that undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression.
