A Former Offender’s Testimony: Spreading Positive Energy

The harm caused by drugs is far-reaching, not only damaging individual health but also placing a heavy burden on families and society. Since 2017, the Nantou Detention Center has been implementing the “Evidence-Based Treatment Model for Drug Offenders,” promoting seven areas of rehabilitation and linking resources to help inmates reflect on themselves, break free from drug dependency, and reintegrate into society. On August 8, 2025, the center hosted a life story sharing session featuring Mr. Lin Rong-Jian, a former drug addict who turned his life around, to inspire inmates with his personal journey. A total of 170 inmates participated in the event.

Mr. Lin shared how, during his teenage years, he was influenced by the then-popular “Young and Dangerous” gangster movies, which led him astray into delinquent behavior and drug use. Eventually, he was imprisoned multiple times for drug offenses, theft, and intimidation, serving a total of over 10 years. While incarcerated, he began to reflect on the meaning of life and family, deciding to start his transformation by quitting smoking—a tangible way to ease his family’s burden and his first step toward change. Over time, he developed a strong belief in self-discipline.

After his release, Mr. Lin initially worked in farming with his father but was unwilling to settle for his current situation. He set his sights on establishing his own engineering business. Despite facing distrust and skepticism from others, he never gave up. In his daily life, he stayed disciplined by abstaining from alcohol, and in his career, he aimed to obtain professional engineering certifications. Even after repeated failures and hardships, he persisted, eventually earning 11 professional licenses, including the “Public Construction Quality Management Personnel” certification.

“I have kept going all the way,” Mr. Lin said. It was this persistence and self-discipline that enabled him to overcome drug addiction and embark on a new chapter in life. By sharing his experiences, he encouraged inmates to “stay firm in your heart and take responsibility for your own life,” adding, “When you’re dissatisfied with your current situation, the hardships you endure for change will feel sweet.” His words resonated deeply with those present.

During the Q&A session, an inmate named Xiao-Hua asked, “How can we completely overcome the temptation of drugs?” Mr. Lin replied with a simple yet powerful piece of advice—“Make good use of the block button.” He explained that in life, it’s inevitable to encounter old friends, familiar places, or situations that might trigger temptation. If these factors could drag you back into the abyss, you must decisively cut ties and block all paths of retreat.

The inspiring session concluded with warm applause, leaving the hope that through the real-life experiences of those who have walked the same path, inmates could see the possibility of change, face their past with courage, embrace the future with positivity, and take the first step toward rejoining society.