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 portfolio career to prepare yourself for the future of work: https://sothisismywhy.ck.page/acd5bd1062