An Islamic Approach to Recovery & Overcoming Addiction | Shaykh Rami Nsour

Shaykh Rami Nsour from Tayba Foundation talks about the latest findings related to addiction treatment in the Muslim community.
He spoke as part of a panel on this topic. Watch the entire program: • Overcoming Addiction: ...
- More Shaykh Rami: mcceastbay.org/rami
- MCC's Substance Use Family Support Group: mcceastbay.org/support-group
- More special guests hosted at the MCC: mcceastbay.org/guests
- More talks about various forms of use in Muslim Community: mcceastbay.org/abuse
- Dr. Ariana Abid's previous talk on "Addiction & Substance Use is in the Muslim Community": • Addiction & Substance ...
This webinar is sponsored by Maristan, Muslim Mental Health Lab and Islamic Psychology at Stanford, Tayba Foundation, and MCC East Bay
This video was delivered via the Muslim Community Center - East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California on October 23, 2021.
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[@isaak1748]

I've been fighting heroin addiction and alcoholism for 4 years now . It's really an exhausting disease, inshallah I will overcome this. It might be stronger than me but never stronger than his love and mercy for me 🙏🏼❤️

[@blueflowers7580]

❤

[@rehambashraheel5516]

Inshallah. I hope you’re doing well. May Allah bless you immensely

[@fay2169]

If you need to go through a mat program (medical assistance treatment) do it. As long as you get off of the medication they give you sooner than waiting. Do a 28 day in treatment program before you try the medical assistance program. I heard its better to get off heroin without taking suboxone or subitex and just fighting the withdrawal. In treatment programs give You comfort meds. Just dont self medicate or take matters in your own hands. I surrendered and i didnt care who heard i went to treatment. I feel people who are assholes need to go to rehab to fight addiction to being assholes lol jk. But for real for me, treatment was the best thing i did. I had a pain killer addiction but it was deeper than pain killers. I had alot of issues that i learned. I cant tell you whats best for you. I can tell you 4 years isnt bad compared to the 20 years i had. I wish i went to treatment when i was four years into my addiction. In Sha Allah allah makes it easy on you. Just know its ok to pray during Your battle. Dont give up your prayer and make dua that Allah guides you. Feel free to reach out if you need someone to talk to

[@aamirshaikh2262]

How you doing brother i hope you are nw fine by the help of ALLAH ♥️

[@SamiKhan-ev1rl]

Allumduallah keep going and keep reaching out.

[@ilikecheetos912]

I am a recovering addict, I have to use methadone every day until I can slowly taper off, I'm at the point I'm no longer mentally addicted, I'm physically dependant, my organs do not know how to function without the drug anymore, I am a new revert to Islam, I always felt Muslims wouldn't welcome me because I've used drugs in my past, I'm glad to know Muslims will welcome me with an open heart and understand I did not willingly do this to myself... I truly believe I've been influenced by Jinn / ibliss / Demons. Please pray for me to gain more strength, I need Allah to grant me strength. Thank you brothers and sisters. Thank you for welcoming me into your family.

[@MohamedMohamed-ki4wk]

Ofc praying for you 🙏

[@joshuanoriega5680]

MASHA'ALLAH ❤

[@tallon705]

I hope this comment finds you well i feel like i relate to your struggle. I first used opiates at 13 - started with a prescription. Used occasionally until 16 and at 16 i was introduced to using needles and was heavily addicted until 22 and then started methadone. Succeeded with methadone but still felt so ill as my methadone dose was extremely high and my doc really didn't seem to care if I ever lowered or got off. I am now 26. moved 2 months ago and was going to have to switch methadone doctors and decided to go cold turkey from 120ml. I've been without opiates for 19 days - however I feel as if I've only been truly clean for 5 days today. I pray for being able to love myself again and my family to forgive me. It's never too late. Methadone makes you feel numb and because methadone is habit forming which at first is helpful to put structure back in your life however that structure especially over many years becomes a crutch just as equally. Your best life is a drug free life. Inshallah

[@johjohn8744]

Keep this brother in the private prayers you make , inşaAllah. Yes I also had a lifelong battle with alcohol which almost cost Me my life. SubhanAllah I am 36 now and alcohol free. I used to drink constantly from morning till night and spent a huge part of my life homeless. Its hard out here. Allah swt knows the struggle we are all going through. Yes the majority of Muslims are in denial even though addiction is killing them and their children. Time to wake up

[@hayateyhanif]

We blame the sin on the Satan and then we repent and remember that Allah swt is the Most Merciful, the Extremely Merciful and will always accept our repentance right up until our last breath. Satan will try his best to make us think that we aren’t worthy of the Mercy of Allah swt and that we can never be forgiven… but this is a trick of the Satan. Allah swt will always forgive us - all we have to do is ask sincerely and repent.

[@RjImproves]

I’m fighting weed addiction and I need to stop. May Allah swt forgive us all. I’ve done some very dumb sins and I regret it a lot 😢.

[@abedodtallah7186]

Bro your iman ishallah is strong, strong believer in allah i feel you man inshallah you will find good soon i pray for you brother, and smoking is from shaiton so pray 🙏 pray slowly Don't cold turkey it you will see you actually hate to do any haram 😊

[@jawadmir2872]

I been drinking for 20 years I no my life will come to a end it's time for a change or I will die please pray for me wallah I want to change my liver hurts my heart feels it over time drugs alcohol catches up to u may allah for give me thanks for hearing me out I love u all

[@jahangirbajwa9339]

I love u too dear brother and may Allah assist your path to recovery. Thank you for sharing your story and being courageous.

[@Khalid_ibn_Clive_Bradbery777]

Akhi yo can do it no substance is stronger than the deen.Allah knows your heart and your niyyah and I know myself what evil and misery Shaytan can lead us into and keep us in.its never too late to throw off the shackles of addiction.I love you for the sake of Allah.Asalaam Alaykum wa rahmatullah wa barakhatu

[@MohamedMohamed-tr2rz]

It’s weird because I have weed addiction and I always found alcohol repulsive and easy to stop unlike weed. Alcohol literally tastes like poison. I can barely drink it without vomiting. Not to mention the next day the hangover and vomiting and diarrhea is pure torture. How anyone can tolerate that to the point of addiction is beyond me. At least weed doesn’t make you feel hungover or vomit. But anyway, May Allah make all of these things repulsive to us and bring us closer to him

[@raydananu]

As salamu alaikum brother may Allah ease your affairs ameen, i love you for the sake of Allah brother I hooe you are doing well Allahu akbar

[@jamesfoster4578]

Me myself have been struggling with crack cocaine for years. ALLAH set me free by his infinite mercy

[@JihadBunnydick]

Prayers!

[@mohamedhamadou215]

I'm going through the same now.

[@dedrehaharley5941]

Me too... my husband has forgiven me many times... I don't want this anymore. Subhanalah that I can be happy in this life

[@Dr.yaya1711]

Sugar and food are addictions too and are silent killers may Allah have mercy upon us as He helps us break free of chains that we really are already broken from but it's hard to walk in the victory of it

[@adamhealy5635]

Definitely, those usually go hand in hand with caffeine, etc. addiction which is usually there to offset how tired those substances make you.

[@alimazimmer3819]

Nothing is compared to the mind/soul/spirit altering entity of these substances..

[@nathanchandler6257]

I wish I could have found this and had someone like you to really help me. I habe lost so much and struggled with mental health and addiction these last two years. I married into a Muslim family wonderful experience in my life. I am a white guy from East London UK. I was atheist and surrounded by racism growing up. I do not practice but I converted and took a path I never thought I would. I am more agnostic and think that God may exist. I learnt to pray and Arabic and so much respect. However having lost everything and hurt them and my wife and children. They paid for rehab and expected full recovery but didn't. I have been really living a dark life. They all now insult me and hate me and mock me. They tell me addiction isn't real and its man made and not a medical disease. That trauma and pain doesn't contribute to addiction. Im labelled a druggie and addict. But ive tried to explain it all and what it is. That pressure and living in a constant toxic environment with blame and hate makes it worse. I carry so much guilt for what I've done but in their eyes I deserve it. That loneliness and trauma and triggers are ever present. They say o blame them for this but csnt see that love and compassion and understanding is what I want and need. Fighting addiction is a full time fight and affects functionality and brain chemistry. Please what can I do to help them understand. Everything is over and never will be salvaged after years of marriage problems. The spite i see in them hurts so much. My family are part of the trauma from childhood and I have no care for them but having hurt my inlaws like this. It breaks my heart.

[@irfanm8677]

May Allah make it easy for you

[@lostandguided5533]

How are you doing

[@MohamedMohamed-tr2rz]

I’m sorry to say this bro but you have to start by recognizing it’s your fault. Excuses are there but you need to put more effort. Only Allah is the one who will give a chance time and again. Even your family will eventually get sick of you. And why not? You’ve neglected them to chase your own desires.

[@user-xf2tv5vm1n]

Sorry to hear that. I hope things get better for you. Keep in mind that they may never understand. Keep doing the right thing and keep moving forward. May Allah bless you and your family. Remember it's one day and a time.

[@dakotamiller3286]

Alhamdulillah brother thank you so much for this video I just converted just shy of 3 weeks ago I have always struggled with addiction in all forms drugs drinking sex I could not agree with you more the stigma of being a Muslim who is caught in addiction just flat sucks a lot of others Muslim are very quick to say just stop it's haram and when one runs with that it makes it so much worse this is the kind of message I needed to hear not just stop it's shaton ..... May Allah bless all of us and guide our hearts and mind keeps us steadfast towards the light of islam 🤲🕋 and find us worthy of his mercy

[@hannojaanniidas9655]

I'm researching dependency treatment and came across this vidéo by accident : it's brilliant ! Whilst I'm not religious I have studied western religions (Judaism, Christianity and some Islam) and have a positive view of faith, similar to that expressed by Dr Christine Hayes (Yale) in her last lecture about the Hebrew Bible. Nsour's reference to the Hadith lesson is a beautiful and very human story, taking human prejudices and delivering a powerful, contra-intuitive solution. I also like Nsour's reference to how the Islamic world took the best of all medicine and incorporated it into the culture where it was not in contradiction to the teaching of the Prophet. I believe this is entirely compatible with the lectures on behavioural biology by Dr Robert Sapolsky (Stanford), although I recognise I'm taking some liberties by making this claim.

[@ilyasafzali228]

Salam my name is ilyas and I’ve been abusing prescription pills and prescription cough syrup for 10+ years now also weed smoke and now that I’m 27, it’s only worsen my life and I need help to get over it , alhamdulilah I have my religion to help with the bigger picture however it’s the little fights that I’m struggling with , my body hurts , I’m anxious , I can’t sleep , I want to go back to it and alhamdulilah I’ve realized to stop before this Ramadan. I want to stop my abuse and stop hurting those around me from the effect of my abuse. May Allah make us strong and make me strong to help with this addiction. Ameen

[@zaghbanisonia]

what a profound analysis. I wish more muslim leaders would have this depth of understanding.

[@julioperez9390]

May reward you for your empathy,compassion YOU have no ideas how many Muslims You helped/helping them to STOP SUFFERING ALONE BarakaAllah feekum…

[@julioperez9390]

Allah reward *

[@NoahRobertGraves]

This is PHENOMENAL! Does anybody know of any online Muslim AA-type Zoom meetings?

[@user-xf2tv5vm1n]

I am interested also. Have you ever heard of milati islami. Look it up.

[@jawadmir2872]

Inshallah I will go to the musjid ask them to help me I have a addiction to cocaine alcohol it leads me to sex addiction I feel so bad bcs I love allah I cant do this anymore wallah

[@irfanm8677]

May Allah help you

[@holachicaas6624]

may allah guide you

[@MohamedMohamed-tr2rz]

I believe in you! If you relapse don’t ever despair of the Mercy of Allah. May Allah make those things repulsive to you

[@user-dm4tg7is6p]

Thank you brother for your talk. I just want to say to anyone reading we are all people we all have problems every1 of us . But we MUST help each other with good not help each other with bad, we need to stand up together as 1 people ❤

[@alman3071]

JazakAllahKheir brother for a great message

[@brandinrushing5792]

Allah hu Akbar you just gave me an hope shot there no place in Chicago were addiction is accepted in the Masjid I almost gave up until I heard you jazakallah

[@user-wd5ec8sw7b]

I am a Muslim and have struggled with opioid addiction and I have found that strengthening my faith in Allah helps me greatly thanks be to Allah. It is a spiritual affliction but it has a medical component as well opioid addiction in particular needs to be addressed spiritually and medically. So I strengthen my faith Allahu Akbar! And I also sought medical treatment and after some consternation and trying cold turkey it becomes clear that replacement therapy and prayer was the way to overcome it I once wondered if taking methadone was haram but I believe that Allah would rather have me pray and take my methadone in the correct way as my doctor instructs rather than take drugs on the street also I do not get intoxicated from it I am used to it and it just helps me stay medically stable.

[@MohamedMohamed-tr2rz]

Allah is Proud of you and Loves your effort ❤

[@RabiaElizabeth]

Muslim in 12 Step recovery here and would love to have a dialogue. I believe from my own experience that the 12 Steps are a great way to start down the road of tasawwuf while remaining free of addiction.

[@sk8ingbeast4life]

Man thank you

[@kaanjel]

I listen to Tennessee Whiskey quite a bit, and yet I have never really listened to the song like he explained it. The way he told it, with the grieve of his uncle in his voice, really touched me.

[@Ai-ws7zs]

💯 We cannot fix complex issues with simple solutions 💯 Muslims really need to get on board with recovery/addiction.

[@AliDaPoet_Hungry4Knowledge]

Millati Islami ( ThePathOfPeace/ Muslim Recovery Group... very complex condition to discuss...May Allah bless us with the courage to Address this Fallen Humsn condition thst is devastating the muslim community ...indirectly as well as vicariously...Addiction must be seen as a illness ,and placed in the hands of those who can identify ,experienced, ...

[@daishymartinez]

Thank you so much for this video and this talk. Addiction has and still does effect my family today. It effects everyone involved

[@nathanchandler6257]

They even have turned all mutual friends against me and other good members of my family. Because what addiction van make you in desperation and depression is done to only hurt others. I did it also to block out so much pain that I wasn't emotionally equipped to deal with

[@bossbaby2024.]

Totally understand brother. Same here

[@bossbaby2024.]

Never give up. Its a battle against ur self.

[@noneofyourbuizness]

I said it to a brother above . Most people who take drug take it to cope, because the trauma wounds are so deep and the pain so strong and we never been taught how to cope with it . May Allah make it easy for us

[@MohamedMohamed-tr2rz]

You know why you run to these addictions, so now reflect on that more. Don’t be so hard on yourself, just try to deeply understand your urges and talk through them with someone, or even yourself. You will find that in having this conversation with yourself you will find the urge easier to deal with

[@0404aah]

very deep nugget within the 1st 4 minutes

[@julioperez9390]

As salaam Alaikum ahki May Allah reward you immensely n ressurect you n your family among our messenger s.a.w.. N his companions Allahumma Ameen

[@quetedelascience4705]

Salam aleykoum warahmatoulah. Very interesting and neglected topic. Our mosques need to address this issue. May Allah help us.

[@burhankhan3963]

Thank you for addressing this issue feom a islamic side. I brothers that follow islam but when it comes to be its like what you said at the beginning. They have no understanding what a person goes through when in addiction.

[@Miss__Chief]

I love this content, dear Brother JazakAllahu khairan for speaking about this and for all you have been doing to help individuals get on with their healing journeys. May Allah grant us success in this life and the Hereafter, Ameen!!! ❤🌱💎💯

[@mohamedaminibrahim14]

I am addicted to gambling its now 4month i have lost everything in a spin game ,, i am trying to quit but its hard for me may Allah make it easy for me .

[@sanaa.3216]

3:40 this 💯 a shiekh said just stop it. I knew it felt wrong. If everyone could do that then imagine the world we’d be living in

[@browser3152]

Allahu Akbar.

[@Jodzy504]

The word is crown / kilemba. 😊.

[@user-lc7sp6ob1d]

I need this book please somebody helps me : overcoming addiction islamic approach to recover

[@sabiradawood1769]

MY SON IS AN ADDICT I CNT AFFORD A REHAB WT SHUD I DO

[@jackbarnes5589]

What about someone who has to use Opioids for chronic pain management? Is that allowed even though the risk of addiction is very high? I've been on oxycodone for over 4 weeks.

[@drfaryalmoiz]

Please don’t take it taper it and withdraw . I was prescribed it for chronic pain and now im struggling to get off . Every time I try to come off withdrawals don’t let me. I am stuck.

[@YakubuRamatu-bg3wr]

I'm addicted to a drug I tried lots of times to stop but it doesn't work.I don't really know what to do again.Help me out please

[@abedodtallah7186]

nothing is harder for me than quitting cigarettes I quit smoking all other things haram I quit watching bad videos I pray the best I can I'm so happy in my life alhamdallah al nima but i been wanting to stop cigarettes because Everywhere I go it says ALLAH all mighty dislikes smoke and today i seen if i stop smoking cigarettes im a very aggressive person who will blow up if some one stress me just a little i am bad ,i will pray and ask for forgiveness astagfurla al athem,

[@abedodtallah7186]

Done 3 days and i done have a package of cigarettes on me 3rd day i done even carry a lighter 😊😂 al hamdullah katheran.

[@killer0200318]

​@@abedodtallah7186may Allah reward you and grant you with oceans of good infinitely better than that which you gave up for the sake of Allah, Ameen.

[@MohamedMohamed-tr2rz]

@@abedodtallah7186you got this 🙏🏾

[@SharmaineKhan]

I have a son who is on heavy marijuana and I need help and don't know were to turn we are Muslim he prays a lot he knows a lot about his religion but he goes back into smoking and then he ack up like a devil and then it's an everyday life thing and I don't know what to do please someone can help me please

[@MohamedMohamed-tr2rz]

Hello sister. I am like your son. Just make dua for him over and over. Be gentle with him

[@LoneWolf-oc9ld]

Any facing addiction here’s the secret…thiers jinn and sorcery /evil eye are involved. Speaking from experience. Please start learning ruqyah.

[@MohamedMohamed-tr2rz]

Can you please explain how sorcery and addiction are related?

[@Jodzy504]

I have a question... The book says alcohol brings enmity.. Allah forbids it. Now when one is in a state of drunkenness.. They do not know what they are doing or saying.. But when you listen closely.. They say things that is deep within them.. Now.. Is it possible the enmity is the truth coming out, the one receiving the truth from the drunk does not like the truth and starts a vendetta of his own hence enmity or the drunk had hate within an Allah is exposing this person? I have never seen a happy drunk embarrass him/herself.. So is the happy drunk bringing enmity to him/herself from the annoyed sober?.. This is confusing.. Either way..i believe there is a reason for everything and there is a good reason why Allah forbids intoxication of any kind.. From drugs to anger to pride to anything negative in your space.

[@isaak1748]

Once you experience addiction you find out why it's forbidden. Because it makes you loose a big part of yourself. I'm addicted to heroin and I will never wish this upon my worse enemies. Inshallah I will recover 🙏🏼

[@escapethetrap8196]

@@isaak1748 may Allah heal us all ameen ❤️ I seek refuge in Allah

[@benjo_314]

​@isaak1748 hey brother how are you doing now it has been a year, hopefully some positive news?

[@MohamedMohamed-tr2rz]

It leaves you vulnerable to intrusive thoughts aka satanic whispers