Recovering Addict Says He Was Introduced to Alcohol at Age Nine

Recovering addict Lee Henkis was introduced to alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana at the age of nine by an adult in his home.

“It affected my life greatly because I could have done much more… I was great in biology, but I got caught up with the wrong group, and I started drinking and smoking and started neglecting myself.” Henkis said. He later lost the trust of his family and struggled with his mental health before being diagnosed with diabetes three years ago.

His turning point came at Remar Belize, a rehabilitation center where he eventually sought help. Felicia Hill, who leads the center with her husband, says the biggest fuel for addiction is how cheap and easy alcohol is to access. “The cheap one is very accessible, it is easy to get and they need to realize the damage it causes on their health, the mentality,” Hill said.

Her warning comes as data shows that some Belizeans are introduced to alcohol before age ten and continue drinking into their teenage years. Hill urged communities to take responsibility, “even the person working in the supermarket, if someone says I am of age, say, ‘Ok, if you are of age, come back with your social card, show me you are of age,'” she said.

Health officials say the distinction between casual drinking and addiction is often blurred. Dr. Lila Estephan, Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, reminded the public that alcohol dependence is not simply a bad habit.

“Alcoholism is a disease… We cannot blame the consumer,” Dr. Estephan said.

Henkis says it is painful to see how many of his childhood friends have died from extreme drinking. He recalls them consuming cheap, strong alcohol known as “badman,” sometimes straight with only a little water. One man he knew could finish a case in just three days.

Today, Henkis has been sober for two and a half years.