The 12 Pillars of Prevention

Hello,

I am David Folaranmi. A recovered drug addict; held bound by substance abuse for seven years. In this period which I now refer to as my wilderness journey, I lost four of my friends to drug overdoses and other related situation. I saw sucking babies ripped from the bosoms of their mothers who struggled with addiction; families torn apart; young people with little or no hope of redemption. But God in his infinite mercies gave me a second chance and made my darkest journey become an opportunity to rescue many from the same situation and better still, help others to not give in.

In the years since then, I have worked with people with problems of drug abuse go in for drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation for five, six, seven times with no reprieve. I have seen people struggle with addiction for upward of twenty years, and visit treatment centres at home and abroad with no solution. Through my work and experience, I have learned that the phrase, “Prevention is better than cure…” is more than just a cliché, it is a lifesaver. It may sound simple, but it is incredibly powerful. Think of it like this: Imagine a castle with strong walls. If you never let the enemy inside, you won’t have to fight them off later. Again, the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 10vs8 that, He who digs a pit will fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent. (NKJV). What does this tell you? Prevention is better than cure. It is that simple. Don’t go looking for trouble.

I have been on many platforms across Nigeria and beyond, appearing and speaking in different programmes, at home and abroad. As a guest host on radio and television stations, webinars, and talk shows, and a contributor to national policies. I keep receiving countless invitations to talk about one single thing and that is drugs and other related substance abuse. It has become my life and identity, and the thing for which I am known to have a great understanding.

It is with this revelation that I have embarked on the project of writing this book; The 12 PILLARS OF PREVENTION. On the pages of this book, I will be sharing my experiences, insights, and most importantly, the wisdom and lessons I have gained through my years of extensive work in the field of drugs and substance abuse as well as how faith in God, the passion for humanity and perseverance in what I do have sustained me. This book project is a project that many people believe is long overdue. A project that many have waited for. However, I wanted to wait for the “right time” to put it out finally, with God’s help.